A & A case reports
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After open repair of a contained rupture of a giant abdominal aortic aneurysm, the patient, a 67-year-old man, developed respiratory insufficiency, and his hemoglobin oxygen saturation dramatically decreased when his position was changed from supine to upright. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome due to a patent foramen ovale and subsequent right-to-left-shunting despite normal intracardiac pressures. After interventional patent foramen ovale closure, the patient could be separated from the respirator without difficulty.
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Advancements in ultrasonography and increasing familiarity with its use in the operating room (vascular access and regional neural blockade) suggest its feasibility as an adjunct in pediatric airway evaluation and intervention. We report 3 cases demonstrating the usefulness of ultrasound techniques in this setting. We show key elements of airway anatomy, noninvasive observation of vocal cord motion, and percutaneous periglottic steroid injection via the cricothyroid membrane in 3 different patients. This report reveals the possible usefulness of ultrasound imaging in clinical anesthesia care, specifically airway management, in children.
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In this case report, we describe a healthy urological patient who suffered severe intraoperative anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine, an ingredient contained in frequently used lubricants (Instillagel, Endosgel). Chlorhexidine is a well-known skin disinfectant and antiseptic component in mouthwash or other over the counter antiseptic pharmaceuticals. There is little awareness that commonly used lubricants may contain hidden chlorhexidine. After severe intraoperative anaphylaxis, it is important to investigate all potential (including hidden) agents that might have caused this life-threatening reaction.
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We report the case of a 52-year-old man with a combined liraglutide and amitriptyline overdose who presented with a seizure and then pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. This is the largest reported overdose of liraglutide (36 mg), a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 analog recommended for certain patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Regarding the amitriptyline, treatment with lipid emulsion correlated with resolution of electrocardiographic changes and successful resuscitation. The treatment of amitriptyline overdose with lipid emulsion is briefly discussed.