scholarly journals Pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumorrhachis following cocaine insufflation: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 154-158
Author(s):  
Jill Burns ◽  
◽  
Allen Roby ◽  
Tom Jaconelli ◽  
◽  
...  

A case report on a 36-year-old male patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest tightness, nasal sounding voice and subcutaneous emphysema 72 hours after the nasal insufflation of approximately 0.5g of cocaine. A plain radiograph of the chest demonstrated an extensive pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema extending into his neck. A computerised tomography (CT) scan confirmed the above findings, along with a pneumorrhachis of the thoracic spine. He was admitted locally for further investigation and observation. Cocaine is the second most used illicit drug in the UK. The associated complications of cocaine can vary from acute coronary syndrome to acute psychosis. Pulmonological trauma secondary to cocaine misuse is commonly associated with inhalation of cocaine; we present this rare case of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachis secondary to nasal insufflation. It is believed that deep nasal insufflation of cocaine is followed by forceful Valsalva manoeuvre, which allows for the rapid absorption of the drug and increases the euphoric effect. This forceful inhalation can lead to barotrauma and leakage of air into the posterior mediastinum.

1994 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 727
Author(s):  
Mi Young Kim ◽  
Chan Sup Park ◽  
Chang Hae Suh ◽  
Won Kyun Chung

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Jun Ha Lee ◽  
Dong Jin Kim ◽  
Ki Joon Sung ◽  
Young Sim Chang ◽  
Mee Yon Cho

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-246
Author(s):  
Dipesh Ludhwani ◽  
Belaal Sheikh ◽  
Vasu K Patel ◽  
Khushali Jhaveri ◽  
Mohammad Kizilbash ◽  
...  

Background: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an uncommon cause of acute reversible ventricular systolic dysfunction in the absence of obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Typically manifesting as apical wall ballooning, TTC can rarely present atypically with apical wall sparing. Case report: A 62-year-old female presented with complaints of chest pain and features mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiogram revealed no obstructive CAD and left ventriculogram showed reduced ejection fraction, normal left ventricular apex and hypokinetic mid-ventricles consistent with atypical TTC. The patient was discharged home on heart failure medications and a follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated improved left ventricular function with no wall motion abnormality. Conclusion: This case report provides an insight into the diagnosis and management of TTC in the absence of pathognomic features.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim O’Brien ◽  
Nikola Kozhuharov ◽  
Shui Hao Chin ◽  
Mark Hall

Abstract Background Antegradely conducting left lateral accessory pathways are a risk for supraventricular tachycardias and pre-excited atrial fibrillation. Rarely, an anomalous coronary sinus can cause difficulty in locating the pathway. The left circumflex coronary artery and obtuse marginal branches supply the posterolateral left ventricle. We describe a case report of a high-risk accessory pathway associated with an anomalous coronary sinus which, between successive electrophysiology studies, was obliterated by a felicitous acute coronary syndrome in the left circumflex territory. Case summary A 49-year-old male with palpitations and manifest pre-excitation was referred for electrophysiology study. Initial study revealed a high-risk left lateral accessory pathway with antegrade effective refractory period of 240 ms and rapidly conducting pre-excited atrial fibrillation. The coronary sinus could not be cannulated to localize the pathway. Coronary angiography and cardiac computed tomography showed an anomalous coronary sinus emptying into the right atrial free wall and patent coronaries. While awaiting repeat electrophysiology study, the patient suffered an acute coronary syndrome with immediate loss of previously visible pre-excitation on electrocardiogram, and underwent stenting of an occluded marginal branch of the circumflex. Repeat electrophysiology study demonstrated a now low-risk accessory pathway (effective refractory period 390 ms). Since infarction, the patient’s palpitations have fully settled with all subsequent electrocardiograms devoid of manifest pre-excitation. Discussion Left lateral accessory pathways, which can associate with an anomalous coronary sinus, derive from tissue similar to normal ventricular myocardium and are vulnerable to ischaemic insults in the area subtended by the circumflex artery.


Author(s):  
John Alexander McHardy ◽  
Vathshalan Selvaganeshapillai ◽  
Priya Khanna ◽  
Ashley Michael Whittington ◽  
Jane Turton ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This case report describes a neck abscess caused by a strain of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a middle aged man with diabetes without a history of travel to East and South East Asia. This case report is of notable significance as Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscesses are rarely seen in the UK and are very infrequently documented in individuals who have not first travelled to the high prevalence areas of East and South East Asia. Case presentation This case report describes a 53 year old diabetic man who contracted a Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess which led to the development of sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was cultured from blood cultures and fluid aspirated from the abscess grew the pathogen with same antimicrobial susceptibility. Hypervirulence was demonstrated after the samples were analysed, at the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit Public Health England Colindale, and found to contain the K20 (rmp)A and rmpA2 virulence genes. Discussion Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, encapsulated, non-motile bacillus notable for its ability to metastatically spread and cause potentially life threatening infections in otherwise healthy adults, but especially in those with diabetes. Genes responsible for the production of hyperviscous mucoid polysaccharide capsules and siderophores, such as those isolated in this case, enable the bacteria to more efficiently evade the hosts immune system and disseminate and invade surrounding and distant tissues. Data from Public Health England shows Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae are rare in the UK. A review of current literature also showed Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae almost exclusively occur in those who have traveled to East and South East Asia. Conclusions This case reported a rare Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae neck abscess outside of, and without travel to, East and South East Asia. This raises concerns about future, potentially life threatening, Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections becoming more widespread without the need for endemic travel. This concern is further exacerbated by the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 563
Author(s):  
Aneta Aleksova ◽  
Giulia Gagno ◽  
Alessandro Pierri ◽  
Carla Todaro ◽  
Alessandra Lucia Fluca ◽  
...  

In pre-hospital care, an accurate and quick diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is imperative to promptly kick-off the STEMI network with a direct transfer to the cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) in order to reduce myocardial infarction size and mortality. Aa atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the main mechanism responsible for STEMI. However, in a small percentage of patients, emergency coronarography does not reveal any significant coronary stenosis. The fluoropyrimidine agents such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine, widely used to treat gastrointestinal, breast, head and neck cancers, either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapies, can cause potentially lethal cardiac side effects. Here, we present the case of a patient with 5-FU cardiotoxicity resulting in an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with recurrent episodes of chest pain and ST-segment elevation.. Our case report highlights the importance of widening the knowledge among cardiologists of the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, especially considering the rising number of cancer patients around the world and that fluoropyrimidines are the main treatment for many types of cancer, both in adjuvant and advanced settings.


2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-336
Author(s):  
Marco Cicciù ◽  
Giovanni Battista Grossi ◽  
Mario Beretta ◽  
Davide Farronato ◽  
Concetta Scalfaro ◽  
...  

Aim: To report the clinical case of a child with facial and periorbital emphysema caused by an orthodontic device. Case report: An 11-year-old child presented to our clinic showing moderate swelling of the left facial area. Based on his dental history, physical findings, and instrument examinations, the diagnosis of cervicofacial emphysema was established, caused by disengagement of the facebow. One week later, all swelling and crepitus had disappeared without complications. Most patients who develop subcutaneous emphysema after a dental procedure have only moderate local swelling, which normally resolves spontaneously and without complications within a week. However, the spread of large amounts of air into the deeper spaces may cause life-threatening sequelae. Conclusions: Orthodontists should be aware that the use of extraoral traction applied via a facebow can cause soft tissue injures and emphysema of the cervicofacial region. It is important to avoid misdiagnosis and to appropriately inform patient and parents about this condition.


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