A & A case reports
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We describe the case of a 41-year-old woman with metastatic cervical cancer and a large mass eroding into the pelvis and left lumbosacral plexus. The patient had intractable left lower extremity pain refractory to standard therapies, and she elected to undergo intrathecal neurolysis. ⋯ During both procedures, we used a tilting radiolucent orthopedic fracture table to maintain strict left lateral-supine positioning. A tilting orthopedic fracture table may be a valuable adjunct to ensure positional stability during intrathecal neurolysis.
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Superficial temporal arterial to middle cerebral arterial anastomosis is often the initial surgical treatment of Moyamoya disease. In refractory cases, placing a pedicle flap of omentum over the ischemic brain has resulted in clinical improvement or stabilization of symptoms. We present a case of persistent mesenteric traction syndrome manifested by hypotension unresponsive to conventional doses of vasopressors during and after pulling the omentum to the brain. As prostacyclin is a major mediator of hypotension from mesenteric traction syndrome and also a cerebral vasodilator, we discuss the possibility that brain swelling may be a manifestation of mesenteric traction syndrome.
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Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder predisposing to aortic and arterial aneurysms. Presentations are classified into subtypes based on gene mutations. ⋯ We report successful management of an elective cesarean delivery in a 16-year-old patient with LDS type IV using epidural anesthesia. Perioperative considerations and multidisciplinary management specific to taking care of parturients with LDS are discussed.
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Case Reports
Essential Thrombocytosis and Labor Epidural Placement While on Aspirin: Assessing Hemorrhagic Risks: A Case Report.
Essential thrombocytosis (ET) is a rare disease with known thrombotic and bleeding complications. We encountered a patient with a diagnosis of longstanding Janus kinase-2 gene-negative ET on aspirin therapy presenting for labor epidural. ⋯ The relevant issues of ET for anesthesia management with labor epidurals are discussed. Unique, relevant, and unexpected findings from the platelet function testing are presented.
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Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) manifests as hyperviscosity syndrome. Cryoglobulinemia, which may increase blood viscosity or induce thrombosis in association with decreased body temperature, can occur in combination with WM. We describe the management of an 82-year-old woman with WM, hyperviscosity syndrome, and cryoglobulinemia who required open aortic valve replacement. Decreased body temperature in this patient was prevented during cardiopulmonary bypass by using a forced air warming system and normothermic cardioplegia with continuous warm blood cardioplegia perfusion.