The Use of Heparin during Endovascular Peripheral Arterial Interventions: A Synopsis

A large variety exists for many aspects of the use of heparin as periprocedural prophylactic antithrombotics (PPAT) during peripheral arterial interventions (PAI). This variation is present, not only within countries, but also between them. Due to a lack of (robust) data, no systematic review on the use of heparin during PAI could be justified. A synopsis of all available literature on heparin during PAI describes that heparin is used on technical equipment to reduce the thrombogenicity and in the flushing solution with saline. Heparin could have a cumulative anticoagulant effect when used in combination with ionic contrast medium. No level-1 evidence exists on the use of heparin. A measurement of actual anticoagulation status by means of an activated clotting time should be mandatory.

Peritoneal-Pleural Leaks Demonstrated by CT Peritoneography

Introduction: Acute hydrothorax is an uncommon complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Currently, there is no specific diagnostic method. Although it is not a life-threatening complication, hydrothorax often requires interrupting or quitting PD. Misdiagnosis often leads to more serious consequences. Case Presentation: A 49-year-old woman (height 163 cm, weight 58 kg, BMI 21.82), who started PD 3 months previously, suddenly presented with acute dyspnea and a right pleural effusion. Blood routine examination, serum albumin and a series of laboratory tests were immediately performed. Except for the serum creatinine, all of the other tests were within normal range. Thoracentesis was performed to obtain pleural fluid specimens; there was also no evidence of a tumor or inflammation. Congestive heart failure, infection and hypoalbuminemia were excluded as well. Because PD-associated pleural leakage was suspected, computerized tomography (CT) peritoneography was performed next. The first CT scan showed that the CT value of pleural effusion was 6 Hounsfield units (HU). On the evening of the same day, 100 ml ionic contrast medium was mixed with 2 l dialysate and infused into the peritoneal cavity. The next morning, a CT scan was performed again. The CT value of pleural effusion at the same site increased to 40 HU. At the end, pleural leakage was clearly diagnosed. Subsequently, she received temporary hemodialysis and a small dose of automated PD. After 3 months, she successfully returned to PD without any recurrence of hydrothorax. Conclusion: Although similar case reports are not rare, this report provided a simple and effective method for diagnosing pleural leakage. Furthermore, noninvasive treatment of pleural effusion will also get a satisfactory outcome.

Early Encephalic Toxicity after Inadvertent Intrathecal Injection of Low Osmolar Contrast Medium

Only nonionic contrast media are allowed for intrathecal use because of their lower neurotoxicity. In case of inadvertent intrathecal administration of an ionic contrast medium, the typical following syndrome is called ascending tonic clonic seizure syndrome. We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with low back pain who underwent myelography. Ioxaglate, a water-soluble ionic low osmolar contrast medium was accidentally injected intrathecally. She first presented encephalic signs of neurotoxicity, followed by opisthotonic spasms and respiratory distress. In our case, ioxaglate is a low osmolar agent, leading to early encephalic toxicity (preceding medullary signs), because of its cephalic migration. The patient was successfully treated by sedation, anticonvulsant therapy and fluid hydration. Intrathecal administration of an ionic contrast medium is clearly contraindicated. In case of inadvertent injection of a low osmolar product, encephalic signs are seen first.