scholarly journals Pneumomediastinum and Pneumothorax as Relevant Complications of Sub-Intensive Care of Patients with COVID-19: Description of a Case Series

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 919
Author(s):  
Maria Gabriella Coppola ◽  
Marina Lugarà ◽  
Stefania Tamburrini ◽  
Pasquale Madonna ◽  
Claudio Panico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Interstitial Pneumonia ◽  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
The World ◽  
Lung Failure

Lung failure has been the most common cause of hospitalization for COVID-19. Yet, bilateral interstitial pneumonia has not been the only cause of lung failure of these inpatients, and frequently they develop other illnesses associated with COVID-19. Pulmonary embolism has been the most looked for in the world, but rarely other pneumological diseases, such as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, have been described and associated with a worsening prognosis. We here report our clinical experience associated with the occurrence of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in a cohort of inpatients hospitalized in our division of medicine in a regular ward or in a sub-intensive ward.

scholarly journals Parasite helminthes, class cestode, diagnosed by hooklets on FNAC

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2540
Author(s):  
Nidhi Verma ◽  
Bhavna Sharma ◽  
Chhaviraj Singh ◽  
S. P. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissue ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Stool Examination ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Parasitic Infestation ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Uncommon Presentation ◽  
The World

Parasitic infestation is a common cause of morbidity in several parts of the world. Helminthes constitute a significant number of parasitic diseases, out of which large number of cases are due to cestodes. Cestodes can affect various organs, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, liver, brain, spinal cord, orbit, muscle, gastrointestinal tract and heart. Parasites are routinely diagnosed by histopathology, serology, radiology and stool examination however FNAC can also serve as low cost out-patient procedure for diagnosis of certain parasites especially in cases of sub cutaneous nodules. Subcutaneous nodule is a relatively uncommon presentation and is often misdiagnosed clinically. This study includes case series of five cases of subcutaneous parasitic infestation by cestodes that were diagnosed by FNAC.

scholarly journals Paediatric admissions to a district general hospital adult intensive care unit over a six year period: A single centre retrospective case series, with review of practitioner confidence and competence in paediatric critical care

2021 ◽  
pp. 175114372110121
Author(s):  
Stephen A Spencer ◽  
Joanna S Gumley ◽  
Marcin Pachucki
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Critically Ill Children ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Retrospective Case Series ◽  
Paediatric Critical Care ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

Background Critically ill children presenting to district general hospitals (DGH) are admitted to adult intensive care units (AICUs) for stabilisation prior to transfer to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Current training in PICU for adult intensive care physicians is only three months. This single centre retrospective case series examines the case mix of children presenting to a DGH AICU and a multidisciplinary survey assesses confidence and previous experience, highlighting continued training needs for DGH AICU staff. Methods all paediatric admissions to AICU and paediatric retrievals were reviewed over a 6-year period (2014-2019). Cases were identified from the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and from data provided by the regional paediatric retrieval service. A questionnaire survey was sent to AICU doctors and nurses to assess confidence and competence in paediatric critical care. Results Between 2014-2019, 284 children were managed by AICU. In total 35% of cases were <1 y, 48% of cases were <2 y and 64% of cases were <5 y, and 166/284 (58%) children were retrieved. Retrieval reduced with increasing age (OR 0.49 [0.40-0.60], p < 0.0001). The survey had an 82% response rate, and highlighted that only 13% of AICU nurses and 50% of doctors had received prior PICU training. Conclusion At least one critically unwell child presents to the AICU each week. Assessment, stabilisation and management of critically unwell children are vital skills for DGH AICU staff, but confidence and competence are lacking. Formalised strategies are required to develop and maintain paediatric competencies for AICU doctors and nurses.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccination and risk for cardiovascular events: a nationwide self-controlled case series study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhijit Sen ◽  
Inger Johanne Bakken ◽  
Ragna Elise Støre Govatsmark ◽  
Torunn Varmdal ◽  
Kaare Harald Bønaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Baseline Risk ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Cardiovascular Medications

Abstract Background US and European guidelines diverge on whether to vaccinate adults who are not at high risk for cardiovascular events against influenza. Here, we investigated the associations between influenza vaccination and risk for acute myocardial infarction, stroke and pulmonary embolism during the 2009 pandemic in Norway, when vaccination was recommended to all adults. Methods Using national registers, we studied all vaccinated Norwegian individuals who suffered AMI, stroke, or pulmonary embolism from May 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. We defined higher-risk individuals as those using anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-thrombotic, pulmonary or cardiovascular medications (i.e. individuals to whom vaccination was routinely recommended); all other individuals were regarded as having lower-risk. We estimated incidence rate ratios with 95% CI using conditional Poisson regression in the pre-defined risk periods up to 180 days following vaccination compared to an unexposed time-period, with adjustment for season or daily temperature. Results Overall, we observed lower risk for cardiovascular events following influenza vaccination. When stratified by baseline risk, we observed lower risk across all three outcomes in association with vaccination among higher-risk individuals. In this subgroup, relative risks were 0.72 (0.59–0.88) for AMI, 0.77 (0.59–0.99) for stroke, and 0.73 (0.45–1.19) for pulmonary embolism in the period 1–14 days following vaccination when compared to the background period. These associations remained essentially the same up to 180 days after vaccination. In contrast, the corresponding relative risks among subjects not using medications were 4.19 (2.69–6.52), 1.73 (0.91–3.31) and 2.35 (0.78–7.06). Conclusion In this nationwide study, influenza vaccination was associated with overall cardiovascular benefit. This benefit was concentrated among those at higher cardiovascular risk as defined by medication use. In contrast, our results demonstrate no comparable inverse association with thrombosis-related cardiovascular events following vaccination among those free of cardiovascular medications at baseline. These results may inform the risk–benefit balance for universal influenza vaccination.

scholarly journals ARE SPORTS INJURIES THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF MOREL-LAVALLEE LESIONS IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0002
Author(s):  
Indranil Kushare ◽  
Ramesh Babu Ghanta ◽  
Nicole A. Wunderlich
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Conservative Management ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Lower Leg ◽  
Functional Score ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Associated Injuries ◽  
Common Cause

Background: Traumatic internal degloving injury i.e. Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) develops as a result of blunt trauma with tangential shear forces. In the pediatric population, these have been described only as small case reports till date. Purpose: To describe the largest case series of lower extremity Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) in the pediatric population, to determine its etiology (especially its relationship to sports), treatment and outcomes. Methods: Retrospective study of patients <18 years presenting to a tertiary children’s hospital with MLL between 2013-2019. Demographics, clinical data, imaging features, treatment and outcomes data was collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. Results: 38 patients (21 males, 17 females) having MLL with mean age 14.6 years were classified into 2 groups- hip/thigh MLL (9 patients) and lower leg MLL (29) (Table 1.1). Most common cause of lower leg MLL was sports injury (79%). Most commonly implicated sports in MLL were football and baseball(24% each). Associated injuries were seen in 9 (23%) patients. Radiographs done in 58% of patients showed no bony abnormalities. Imaging modality of choice was MRI for lower leg MLLs (72%) and US for hip/thigh MLL (67%)(Fig.1.2). MLL size was larger for hip/thigh MLL (168 cm3) as compared to leg MLL (38.6 cm3). 25 (65.8%) of MLLs were treated with conservative management,12 (31.5%) with minimally invasive methods and 1(2.6%) needed surgical management. 2/9 (22.2%) of the associated injuries required operative management. 2/38 (5%) patients were given prophylactic antibiotics. 72.4% Lower leg MLLs were treated with conservative management while intervention was needed more in hip/thigh MLLs (55.6%). Patients returned to activities at 14.3 weeks for hip/thigh MLL;9.1 weeks for lower leg MLL. 24 patients with adequate documentation demonstrated lower extremity functional score (LEFS) and pain level of 74/80 (92.5%) and 0.7/10 respectively at mean 12.5 months follow-up. Leg cellulitis was seen as a complication in one patient. Conclusion: The largest case series on MLL exclusively in the pediatric population suggests that they are more common in knee/leg region region and usually caused by sports injuries which is notably different as compared to adult population. Most pediatric injuries are treated conservatively, especially sports related MLLs. Although return to activities takes longer for hip/thigh injuries, majority of patients regain satisfactory functionality post-injury. [Table: see text][Figure: see text]

scholarly journals 375. COVID 19 infection in a Massachusetts community hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S257-S258
Author(s):  
Raul Davaro ◽  
alwyn rapose
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Case Series ◽  
World Health ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections has led to 105690 cases and 7647 deaths in Massachusetts as of June 16. Methods The study was conducted at Saint Vincent Hospital, an academic health medical center in Worcester, Massachusetts. The institutional review board approved this case series as minimal-risk research using data collected for routine clinical practice and waived the requirement for informed consent. All consecutive patients who were sufficiently medically ill to require hospital admission with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection by positive result on polymerase chain reaction testing of a nasopharyngeal sample were included. Results A total of 109 consecutive patients with COVID 19 were admitted between March 15 and May 31. Sixty one percent were men, the mean age of the cohort was 67. Forty one patients (37%) were transferred from nursing homes. Twenty seven patients died (24%) and the majority of the dead patients were men (62%). Fifty one patients (46%) required admission to the medical intensive care unit and 34 necessitated mechanical ventilation, twenty two patients on mechanical ventilation died (63%). The most common co-morbidities were essential hypertension (65%), obesity (60%), diabetes (33%), chronic kidney disease (22%), morbid obesity (11%), congestive heart failure (16%) and COPD (14%). Five patients required hemodialysis. Fifty five patients received hydroxychloroquine, 24 received tocilizumab, 20 received convalescent plasma and 16 received remdesivir. COVID 19 appeared in China in late 2019 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Our study showed a high mortality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (43%) as opposed to those who did not (5.7%). Hypertension, diabetes and obesity were highly prevalent in this aging population. Our cohort was too small to explore the impact of treatment with remdesivir, tocilizumab or convalescent plasma. Conclusion In this cohort obesity, diabetes and essential hypertension are risk factors associated with high mortality. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit who need mechanical ventilation have a mortality approaching 50 %. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Clinical Differences between COVID-19 and a COVID-Like Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2519
Author(s):  
Pierpaolo Di Micco ◽  
Giuseppe Camporese ◽  
Vincenzo Russo ◽  
Giuseppe Cardillo ◽  
Egidio Imbalzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
False Negative ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Similar Group ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
The World ◽  
Lung Failure ◽  
The Difference

COVID-19 is an infection due to SARS-CoV-2; this virus has been identified as the cause of the present pandemic. Several typical characteristics are present in this infection, in particular pneumonia with possible lung failure, but atypical clinical presentations are being described daily by physicians around the world. Ground-glass opacities with pneumonia are the most common and dangerous presentations of the COVID-19 disease, and they are usually associated with positive nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) tests with detectable SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Compared to the general population, hospital workers have been at a greater risk of infection ever since the first patients were hospitalized. However, hospital workers have also been reported as having COVID-like symptoms despite repeated negative swab tests but having tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with serological tests. We can postulate that a COVID-like syndrome is possible, in particular in hospital workers, that is characterized by symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, but with repeated negative nasopharyngeal swabs. These repeated negative NSPs make the difference in daily clinical management with people that experienced a single false negative nasopharyngeal swab; furthermore, a clear clinical differentiation of these situations is still lacking in the literature. For this reason, here, we report our main findings from a cohort of patients with a COVID-like syndrome compared to a similar group affected by typical COVID-19.

scholarly journals Clinical experience with a shape memory polymer peripheral vascular embolisation plug: a case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Morgan ◽  
Ian Loftus ◽  
Lakshmi Ratnam ◽  
Raj Das ◽  
Leto Mailli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Iliac Artery ◽  
Shape Memory Polymer ◽  
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Gelatin Sponge ◽  
Peripheral Vasculature ◽  
Small Series

Abstract Background Shape memory polymers are materials that are manufactured in a certain shape, can be stored in a temporary deformed shape, and then return to – or remember – their original shape upon exposure to external stimuli such as temperature and moisture. This property lends itself to application in endovascular medical devices. Peripheral vasculature embolisation devices incorporating this novel technology have become commercially available and this case series, where the data were collected as part of a post market registry, outlines initial clinical experience with these novel devices. Results Eight cases are described in this series. The disease state/conditions for which embolisation was indicated were right common iliac artery aneurysms (n = 3), a type II endoleak into the thoracic aorta following thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 1), a left inferior gluteal artery aneurysm (n = 1), left internal iliac artery aneurysms (n = 2), and a case of splenomegaly, where splenectomy was planned after the embolisation procedure (n = 1). Target arteries were 5–10 mm in diameter. In each case, at least one IMPEDE Embolization Plug (IMP-Device) of an appropriate diameter was used. All procedures were technically successful and target vessel thrombosis was achieved in all cases. Follow-up imaging available during the 45–90-day data collection timeframe showed sustained vessel occlusion. This case series includes examples of situations commonly encountered when embolising the peripheral vasculature, namely, the use of one or multiple devices in a single vessel and in combination with the use of other embolic devices (e.g., microcoils, gelatin sponge, and PVA particles) in the same case. There were no adverse events related to the specific use of the device. Conclusions This small series illustrates the safety and efficacy of this novel sponge-based embolic device for the embolisation of small and medium sized arteries and further experience will demonstrate the utility of the shape memory polymer devices.

Familial thrombophilia associated with fibrinogen Paris V: Dusart syndrome

Blood ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 1191-1193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Tarumi ◽  
Danko Martincic ◽  
Anne Thomas ◽  
Robert Janco ◽  
Mary Hudson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Initial Presentation ◽  
Pulmonary Emboli ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
History Of ◽  
Prophylactic Anticoagulation ◽  
Fibrin Clots

Abstract We report on a family with a history of venous thromboembolism associated with fibrinogen Paris V (fibrinogen A-Arg554→Cys). Ten members experienced thrombotic events, including 4 with fatal pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary embolism was the presenting feature in 4. Those with the mutation and a history of thrombosis had somewhat higher fibrinogen concentrations than those with the mutation and no thrombosis (294 ± 70 mg/dL vs 217 ± 37 mg/dL, respectively). The Paris V mutation consistently caused a prolongation of the reptilase time, and fibrin clots containing the abnormal fibrinogen were more translucent than normal clots. Given the early onset of symptoms and the initial presentation with pulmonary embolism in some family members, it was justifiable to offer prophylactic anticoagulation with warfarin to carriers of the mutation. Fibrinogen Paris V has now been reported in 4 apparently unrelated families, indicating that it is a relatively common cause of dysfibrinogenemia-associated thrombosis.

The (Absence of a) Role of Venous Duplex Scan in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism after Severe Trauma

2006 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-10
Author(s):  
George C. Velmahos ◽  
Carlos V. Brown ◽  
Demetrios Demetriades
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Severely Injured ◽  
Duplex Scan ◽  
Severely Injured Patients ◽  
High Level ◽  
Injured Patients

Venous duplex scan (VDS) has been used for interim bedside diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in severely injured patients deemed to be at risk if transported out of the intensive care unit. In combination with the level of clinical suspicion for PE, VDS helps select patients for temporary treatment until definitive diagnosis is made. We evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of VDS in critically injured patients with a high level of clinical suspicion for PE. We performed a prospective observational cohort study at the surgical intensive care unit of an academic level 1 trauma center. Patients were 59 critically injured patients suspected to have PE over a 30-month period. The level of clinical suspicion for PE was classified as low or high according to preset criteria. Interventions were VDS and a PE outcome test (conventional or computed tomographic pulmonary angiography). The sensitivity and specificity of VDS to detect PE in all patients and in patients with high level of clinical suspicion was calculated against the results of the outcome test. PE was diagnosed in 21 patients (35.5%). The sensitivity and specificity of VDS was 33 per cent and 89 per cent, respectively. Among the 28 patients who had a high level of clinical suspicion for PE, the sensitivity of VDS was 23 per cent and the specificity 93 per cent. In this latter population, 1 of the 4 (25%) positive VDS was of a patient without PE and 10 of the 24 (42%) negative VDS were of patients who had PE. VDS does not accurately predict PE in severely injured patients, even in the presence of a high level of clinical suspicion.

Secondary Oxalate Nephropathy: Causes and Clinicopathological Characteristics of a Case Series

Nephron ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Shaoshan Liang ◽  
Lijuan Li ◽  
Dacheng Chen ◽  
Dandan Liang ◽  
Feng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Renal Biopsy ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Renal Function Recovery ◽  
Function Recovery ◽  
Renal Biopsies ◽  
Oxalate Nephropathy

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Secondary oxalate nephropathy (OxN) is associated with a variety of causes and has not been well characterized in Chinese population. To investigate the etiology, clinicopathological features, and outcomes of secondary OxN, we report a case series from a single center in China. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective analysis of 68 patients diagnosed with secondary OxN by renal biopsy from January 2013 to February 2019 in Jinling Hospital was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Secondary OxN accounted for 0.23% of the renal biopsies and 2.31% of patients who received renal biopsies due to acute kidney injury (AKI). A total of 49 men and 19 women with an average age of 51.6 ± 11.8 years were enrolled. The most common cause was iatrogenic medication, followed by oxalate-rich diet and industry exposure. Stage 1, 2, and 3 AKI and AKI on chronic kidney disease (ACKD) were found in 4.4, 8.8, 69.1, and 17.6% of the patients, respectively. The peak serum creatinine during hospitalization was 8.62 ± 4.67 mg/dL. The median urinary oxalate excretion was 51.5 (23.2–147.1) mg/24 h. Kidney biopsy showed extensive calcium oxalate crystal deposits with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. Thirty-four patients (50.0%) required renal replacement therapy. At the end of a follow-up that lasted 8.7 (0.1–72.1) months, 81.0% of patients achieved renal function recovery in 50 (14–432) days. Patients with renal function recovery had a lower rate of ACKD, a higher level of hemoglobin, a lower level of urine lysozyme, and a lower degree of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation, and global glomerulosclerosis than those in the nonrecovery group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In this case series of secondary OxN, the most common cause was iatrogenic medication, and it presented with AKI or ACKD. Half of the patients required renal replacement therapy, and in most of them, the renal function was reversible. Renal biopsy played an important role in diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.

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