scholarly journals Life-threatening airway obstruction caused by angioedema in a morbidly obese postoperative patient: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makiko Konda ◽  
Satoki Inoue ◽  
Yusuke Naito ◽  
Junji Egawa ◽  
Masahiko Kawaguchi

Abstract Background We report a case of a morbidly obese patient who developed life-threatening airway obstruction due to angioedema. Case presentation A 50-year-old Japanese morbidly obese female was treated with enalapril for 10 years, with no history of angioedema. After 3 h of completion of breast cancer resection under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation, she developed airway obstruction and respiratory arrest. Her oral cavity was occupied with a swollen tongue. It was extremely difficult to determine the airway anatomical orientation although tracheal intubation was attempted using a videolaryngoscope. At this time, she probably started gasping respiration, which generated a faint bubble and revealed a possible airway. Her airway was established using a tracheal tube without confirming the glottis or the vocal cord. Conclusions Angioedema induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is rare; however, once it occurs, it can be potentially life threatening, especially for patients with possible difficult airway. Considering the risk–benefit ratio, we must be careful in administering ACE inhibitor therapy in morbidly obese patients.

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-118
Author(s):  
Özant Helvacı ◽  
Seyma Yıldız ◽  
Berfu Korucu ◽  
Ulver Derici ◽  
Turgay Arinsoy

Background Coeliac crisis is a life-threatening presentation of coeliac disease. Severe diarrhoea, weight loss, electrolyte imbalances and malnutrition are prominent features. Although mainly a disease of childhood, it can on the rare occasion be diagnosed in adults. Case presentation A 25-year-old female with severe generalised oedema, lower extremity weakness, hypokalemia and profound hypoalbuminemia was referred with an initial diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Three months previously she had given birth to a healthy child following an uneventful pregnancy. She did not have proteinuria. She had a history of diarrhoea with gluten-containing food since childhood but lacked a formal diagnosis of coeliac disease. A duodenal biopsy confirmed the suspected diagnosis. Coeliac crisis was diagnosed with life-threatening multisystem involvement. Introduction of a gluten-free diet abolished all disease symptoms and ameliorated laboratory parameters at six months’ follow-up. Conclusion Coeliac crisis is a rare, yet dangerous presentation of coeliac disease in adults. As this case suggests, it can present with generalised oedema and hypoalbuminemia mimicking nephrotic syndrome. Rapid diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Zhao ◽  
Zhichao Lai ◽  
Xiaojun Song ◽  
Rong Zeng ◽  
Changwei Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neck hematoma is a complication of carotid endarterectomy, usually occurring in the comparatively early stage postoperatively. Case presentation We described a patient developing life-threatening hemorrhage and non-clotting hematoma at a comparatively later stage after CEA. DIC was diagnosed according to the lab results, and the patient underwent re-operation and was supported with blood products until the coagulopathy was corrected. The patient had a history of prostatic hyperplasia and experienced malaise during the hospitalization. Prostate cancer with bone metastases was diagnosed. Conclusions This case report describes a rare underlying cause of hematoma after CEA, which reminds us to pay attention to prostate symptoms or related medical history, especially malignancy, in surgical patients, which may result in severe complications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoko Yuzawa-Tsukada ◽  
Toshikazu D. Tanaka ◽  
Satoshi Morimoto ◽  
Michihiro Yoshimura

Abstract Background A unicuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality. Despite its uncommon finding on an initial presentation, aortic insufficiency is accompanied with unicuspid aortic valve and this might reflect the natural history of progression in the morphology of unicuspid aortic valve. Case presentation We describe a 65-year-old Japanese man who was evaluated for endocarditis and found to have a unicuspid aortic valve concomitant with moderate aortic insufficiency, which was, owing to the lack of evidence of valve membrane destruction, independent of underlying infectious endocarditis. In addition, aortic insufficiency was progressed because of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis on the ventricular side, in areas of high turbulence around the heart valve. Conclusions Our case is unusual given the unicuspid aortic valve concomitant with aortic insufficiency, which was presumably independent of underlying infectious endocarditis because of the location of the vegetation and the lack of evidence of valve destruction. Therefore, attention should be paid to a variety of complications in the setting of unicuspid aortic valve.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitomi Tanaka ◽  
Takatoshi Anno ◽  
Haruka Takenouchi ◽  
Hideaki Kaneto ◽  
Toru Oga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Bronchial foreign bodies are relatively uncommon in adults. There are a variety of symptoms induced by airway foreign bodies, although the typical symptoms of some bronchial foreign bodies are cough, wheezing, chest pain, hemoptysis and fever up. Case presentation: An 80-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital with symptom of 7-month history of cough and pneumonia. His chest radiograph showed a slight increase in opacity. His vital signs and his laboratory data were almost normal. Chest computed tomography revealed obstructive pneumonia and a bronchial foreign body. We performed bronchoscopy and detected a fish bone as an intrabronchial foreign body and finally removed it from the bronchi.Conclusions:It is very important to carefully perform medical consultation about the current and past medical history. People in some countries and regions such as Japan have a habit of eating fish. It is necessary to more carefully consider the possibility of some bronchial foreign body such as a fish bone, when we observe symptoms of persistent cough.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shingo Morinaga ◽  
Shigeyuki Aoki ◽  
Motoi Tobiume ◽  
Genya Nishikawa ◽  
Hiroyuki Muramatsu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Only 14 cases of leiomyoma with ureteral origin have been reported previously. Such primary leiomyomas often present as hydronephrosis, making the diagnosis difficult. Radical nephroureterectomy is often performed because of the possible diagnosis of a malignant tumor. We report the 15th case of primary leiomyoma with a ureteral origin. Case presentation A 51-year-old Japanese man presented with a chief complaint of asymptomatic gross hematuria with a history of hypertension. Enhanced computed tomography showed a tumor at the upper part of the right ureter that appeared to be the cause of hydronephrosis and contracted kidney; no retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and distal metastasis were observed. A well-defined 20-mm (diameter) defect was identified at the upper of the right ureter on retrograde pyelogram with no bladder cancer on cystoscopy. Urine cytology and right divided renal urine cytology findings were negative. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was performed, and the extracted tumor measured 20 × 13 mm. Histopathological examination revealed primary leiomyoma with no recurrence 16 months after the operation. Conclusions Preoperative examination with the latest available ureteroscopic technology can help preserve renal function in the case of benign tumors by enabling preoperative ureteroscopic biopsy or intraoperative rapid resection. Moreover, nephroureterectomy is recommended in the case of preoperative suspicion of ureteral malignant tumors.


Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 630
Author(s):  
Fumiko Hayashi ◽  
Takashi Kido ◽  
Noriho Sakamoto ◽  
Yoshiaki Zaizen ◽  
Mutsumi Ozasa ◽  
...  

Background: Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a granulomatous disease that resembles sarcoidosis but is caused by beryllium. Clinical manifestations similar to those observed in CBD have occasionally been reported in exposure to dusts of other metals. However, reports describing the clinical, radiographic, and pathological findings in conditions other than beryllium-induced granulomatous lung diseases, and detailed information on mineralogical analyses of metal dusts, are limited. Case presentation: A 51-year-old Japanese man with rapidly progressing nodular shadows on chest radiography, and a 10-year occupation history of underground construction without beryllium exposure, was referred to our hospital. High-resolution computed tomography showed well-defined multiple centrilobular and perilobular nodules, and thickening of the intralobular septa in the middle and lower zones of both lungs. No extrathoracic manifestations were observed. Pathologically, the lung specimens showed 5–12 mm nodules with dust deposition and several non-necrotizing granulomas along the lymphatic routes. X-ray analytical electron microscopy of the same specimens revealed aluminum, iron, titanium, and silica deposition in the lung tissues. The patient stopped smoking and changed his occupation to avoid further dust exposure; the chest radiography shadows decreased 5 years later. Conclusion: The radiological appearances of CBD and sarcoidosis are similar, although mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy is less common in CBD and is usually seen in the presence of parenchymal opacities. Extrathoracic manifestations are also rare. Despite limited evidence, these findings are similar to those observed in pneumoconiosis with a sarcoid-like reaction due to exposure to dust other than of beryllium. Aluminum is frequently detected in patients with pneumoconiosis with a sarcoid-like reaction and is listed as an inorganic agent in the etiology of sarcoidosis. It was also detected in our patient and may have contributed to the etiology. Additionally, our case suggests that cessation of dust exposure may contribute to improvement under the aforementioned conditions.


2020 ◽  
pp. 102490792096481
Author(s):  
Mehmet Cihat Demir ◽  
İlter Ağaçkıran

Introduction: Angina bullosa hemorrhagica is a disease without a concomitant hematological or vesiculobullous disorder characterized by painless hemorrhagic bullae in the oral mucosa; it is rarely seen and has a good course. Case presentation: A 45-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department with a painless hemorrhagic bulla that suddenly appeared on the soft palate. A blister, 2 cm in diameter and dark red in color, was seen extending from the hard palate’s posterior to the soft palate. Nasolaryngoscopic evaluation was performed, and no additional hemorrhagic bulla was detected. She was discharged with the recommendation of oral mouthwash. Discussion: Solitary hemorrhagic bulla, suddenly occurring on the soft palate, is diagnostic for angina bullosa hemorrhagica. Some authors have reported that blisters in the posterior pharynx may progress to acute upper airway obstruction. Conclusion: Early nasolaryngoscopic evaluation in angina bullosa hemorrhagica is an excellent option to be considered by the emergency physician to prevent life-threatening situations.


Author(s):  
Masao Nogami ◽  
Shadia Constantine ◽  
Shuji Sai

Abstract Objectives Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by decompensated hyperthyroidism. There is no consensus on how to diagnose pediatric TS. We report three pediatric cases of TS presenting with central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as the initial presentation of Graves’ disease. Case presentation They were previously healthy adolescents without family history of thyroid disease. CNS symptoms varied from agitation to coma. GI symptoms included abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Their laboratory studies revealed thyrotoxicosis and positive result of thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb). They were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and received the combination of an antithyroid drug, Lugol’s solution, a beta antagonist, and hydrocortisone. The most severe case was a 13 year-old Japanese girl who presented with loss of consciousness and hemodynamic shock. She died after 5 days of intensive treatment. Conclusions Pediatricians should consider TS in the differential diagnosis when a patient exhibits both CNS and GI symptoms.


2008 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-33
Author(s):  
Shun-Tsung Huang ◽  
Chang-Po Kuo ◽  
Jen-Chih Chen ◽  
Ching-Tang Wu ◽  
Chin-Ming Hsieh ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Lakshmi Shobhavat ◽  
Antonio D’Costa ◽  
Karthik Shroff

Background. Methemoglobinemia is a potentially life-threatening condition which presents with cyanosis and characteristic “chocolate-coloured blood.” Although a co-oximetry would give a prompt diagnosis, there have been multiple reports of misdiagnosing this treatable condition—from being diagnosed as sepsis to asthma and even being operated for “ruptured ectopic pregnancy.” Here, we report a case which presented without the classical signs of poisoning and methemoglobinemia—without vomiting, cyanosis, or chocolate-coloured blood. We also discuss the common misconceptions regarding anemia physiology and the pitfalls in diagnosing this condition and warn the reader regarding the reflexive use of antidotes like methylene blue. Case Presentation. A well-grown 3-year old boy presented with an acute history of irritability, cola-coloured urine, and desaturation on examination. The child was pale, with tachypnoea and in failure. Blood smear was suggestive of severe hemolytic anemia. Methemoglobinemia was diagnosed on co-oximetry. By focussing on physiologic principles of management rather than a specific antidote, the child was discharged home, well and active within 3 days of intensive care admission.


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