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British Journal of Hospital Medicine... Apr 2024
Topics: Humans; Embolism, Air; Lung Neoplasms; Intracranial Embolism; Stroke; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Middle Aged; Aged; Postoperative Complications; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 38708979
DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2023.0379 -
Cureus Mar 2024Embolization of entrapped intracardiac air represents a significant risk to the patient undergoing open-heart surgery. Entrapment of as little as 0.5 mL of gas in the...
Embolization of entrapped intracardiac air represents a significant risk to the patient undergoing open-heart surgery. Entrapment of as little as 0.5 mL of gas in the heart can cause temporary myocardial dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, and systemic emboli. In contrast, larger emboli can disrupt the evaluation of heart function by limiting visualization during echocardiography. We present the case of a 67-year-old male who presented with dizziness, nausea, and chest pain. A left heart catheterization revealed multi-vessel disease. Undergoing general anesthesia, the patient received three-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting, mitral valve repair, ring annuloplasty, and left atrial appendage closure. Upon aortic unclamping, transgastric echocardiography showed significant gas almost wholly obscuring the left heart chambers despite de-airing maneuvers. Successful resolution relied upon higher mean blood pressure and time, demonstrating the importance of intraoperative imaging and interdisciplinary collaboration.
PubMed: 38646393
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56525 -
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma,... Apr 2024The likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation with conventional advanced life support is known to have an exponential decline and therefore neurological outcome... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
The likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation with conventional advanced life support is known to have an exponential decline and therefore neurological outcome after 20 min in patients with a cardiac arrest is poor. Initiation of venoarterial ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) during resuscitation might improve outcomes if used in time and in a selected patient category. However, previous studies have failed to significantly reduce the time from cardiac arrest to ECMO flow to less than 60 min. We hypothesize that the initiation of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) by a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services System (HEMS) will reduce the low flow time and improve outcomes in refractory Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) patients.
METHODS
The ON-SCENE study will use a non-randomised stepped wedge design to implement ECPR in patients with witnessed OHCA between the ages of 18-50 years old, with an initial presentation of shockable rhythm or pulseless electrical activity with a high suspicion of pulmonary embolism, lasting more than 20, but less than 45 min. Patients will be treated by the ambulance crew and HEMS with prehospital ECPR capabilities and will be compared with treatment by ambulance crew and HEMS without prehospital ECPR capabilities. The primary outcome measure will be survival at hospital discharge. The secondary outcome measure will be good neurological outcome defined as a cerebral performance categories scale score of 1 or 2 at 6 and 12 months.
DISCUSSION
The ON-SCENE study focuses on initiating ECPR at the scene of OHCA using HEMS. The current in-hospital ECPR for OHCA obstacles encompassing low survival rates in refractory arrests, extended low-flow durations during transportation, and the critical time sensitivity of initiating ECPR, which could potentially be addressed through the implementation of the HEMS system. When successful, implementing on-scene ECPR could significantly enhance survival rates and minimize neurological impairment.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltyrials.gov under NCT04620070, registration date 3 November 2020.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Emergency Medical Services; Hospitals; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors
PubMed: 38632661
DOI: 10.1186/s13049-024-01198-x -
The American Journal of Case Reports Apr 2024BACKGROUND A paradoxical air embolism (PAE) occurs when air entering the central venous circulation reaches the systemic circulation, occurring through an intracardiac...
BACKGROUND A paradoxical air embolism (PAE) occurs when air entering the central venous circulation reaches the systemic circulation, occurring through an intracardiac shunt or intrapulmonary shunting. Patients presenting for liver transplantation often have intrapulmonary shunting due to pulmonary arterial vasodilation, even in the absence of hepatopulmonary syndrome. Here, we present a case of hemodynamic collapse believed to be caused by a PAE, which was diagnosed intraoperatively with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). CASE REPORT A 60-year-old man who was diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis presented for deceased donor orthotopic liver transplantation with utilization of normothermic machine perfusion. Following reperfusion of the liver allograft, TEE detected intrapulmonary shunting resulting in air within the left atrium, left ventricle, and ascending aorta. The patient developed severe biventricular dysfunction with ST-segment changes on electrocardiography monitoring and became acutely hypotensive with significant hepatic congestion 5 min after liver reperfusion. High doses of inotropic and vasopressor support were used as well as inhaled nitric oxide. The patient recovered after 30 min of medical management. The liver transplantation operation was successfully completed and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day 7. CONCLUSIONS Intracardiac air at the time of reperfusion during liver transplantation can originate from the donor allograft and result in PAE in the setting of intrapulmonary shunting. PAE can result in intracoronary air and should be considered in cases of hemodynamic instability in liver transplantation, especially if air is seen within the left atrium, left ventricle, and ascending aorta.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Liver Transplantation; Embolism, Air; Liver Cirrhosis; Echocardiography, Transesophageal
PubMed: 38627956
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943042 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Apr 2024BACKGROUND There has been an increase in the use of inhalation methods to abuse drugs, including freebasing crack cocaine (alkaloid) and inhaling methamphetamine vapor....
BACKGROUND There has been an increase in the use of inhalation methods to abuse drugs, including freebasing crack cocaine (alkaloid) and inhaling methamphetamine vapor. This report is of a 25-year-old man with a history of substance abuse presenting with pneumomediastinum due to methamphetamine vapor inhalation. Acute pneumomediastinum is an extremely rare complication of methamphetamine use. CASE REPORT A 25-year-old man was treated for polysubstance abuse following 9 days of methamphetamine abuse. EKG did not show any ST &T change. D-dimer was normal, at 0.4 mg/L, so we did not do further work-up for pulmonary embolism. His chest pain worsened in the Emergency Department (ED), and a physical exam demonstrated crepitation of the posterior neck, trapezius, and right scapula. A portable chest X-ray revealed subcutaneous air over the right scapular region, in addition to pneumomediastinum. The urine drug screen test was positive for methamphetamine. A chest CT was ordered, which showed a moderate-volume pneumomediastinum with soft-tissue air tracking into the lower neck and along the right chest wall. The patient underwent an esophagogram, which showed no air leak, and Boerhaave's syndrome was ruled out. His symptoms improved and he did not require any surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Considering the higher rates of illicit substance use, especially methamphetamine, it is important to pay attention to the associated pathologies and to keep spontaneous pneumomediastinum on the list of differentials for patients using methamphetamine, particularly those who inhale it, which can cause pneumomediastinum, even without Boerhaave's syndrome.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Mediastinal Emphysema; Substance-Related Disorders; Chest Pain; Thoracic Wall; Esophageal Diseases; Mediastinal Diseases; Rupture, Spontaneous
PubMed: 38616415
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.941509 -
Clinical Medicine & Research Mar 2024Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital anomaly, manifests as craniofacial malformations often necessitating intricate surgical interventions. These procedures, though...
Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital anomaly, manifests as craniofacial malformations often necessitating intricate surgical interventions. These procedures, though crucial, can expose patients to diverse postoperative complications, including hemorrhage or infection. A noteworthy complication is stroke, potentially linked to air embolism or local surgical trauma. We highlight a case of a male patient, aged 20 years, who experienced a significant postoperative complication of an ischemic stroke, theorized to be due to an air embolism, after undergoing orthognathic procedures for Goldenhar syndrome. The patient was subjected to LeFort I maxillary osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy of the mandible, and anterior iliac crest bone grafting to the right maxilla. He suffered an acute ischemic stroke in the left thalamus post-surgery, theorized to stem from an air embolism. Advanced imaging demonstrated air pockets within the cavernous sinus, a rare and concerning finding suggestive of potential air embolism. This case underscores the intricate challenges in treating Goldenhar syndrome patients and the rare but significant risk of stroke due to air embolism or surgical trauma. Limited literature on managing air embolism complications specific to Goldenhar syndrome surgeries exists. Generally, management includes immediate recognition, positional adjustments, air aspiration via central venous catheters, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, hemodynamic support, and high-flow oxygen administration to expedite air resorption. Our patient was conservatively managed post-surgery, and at a 3-month neurology follow-up, he showed significant improvement with only residual right arm weakness. It emphasizes the imperative of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
Topics: Humans; Male; Goldenhar Syndrome; Ischemic Stroke; Orthognathic Surgery; Embolism, Air; Stroke; Intraoperative Complications
PubMed: 38609140
DOI: 10.3121/cmr.2024.1882 -
Journal of Community Hospital Internal... 2023SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with myocardial inflammation, new onset cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Here, we describe the utilization of POCUS and management of...
INTRODUCTION
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with myocardial inflammation, new onset cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Here, we describe the utilization of POCUS and management of concurrent new onset atrial tachycardia and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HfrEF) in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
PRESENTATION
An 80-year-old female with multiple medical problems presented with sudden onset of shortness of breath and cough. She tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Initially, she was hypoxic on room air and her heart rhythm was sinus tachycardia. CT angiogram of the chest showed consolidation, pleural effusion, and absence of pulmonary embolism. Because of persistent tachycardia, repeat EKGs and POCUS were performed. Subsequent EKGs showed intermittent atrial tachycardia and sinus tachycardia. Initially, home beta blockers were continued on admission, and additional dosages were considered for rate control, but Cardiac POCUS revealed HfrEF and was subsequently confirmed by comprehensive cardiac echocardiogram, consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection-related cardiomyopathy. Beta blockers were discontinued, and treatment with amiodarone and furosemide showed improvement in symptoms. The patient was discharged with oral amiodarone and supplemental oxygen. Additionally, once the patient's hemodynamics improved, oral carvedilol was also started as part of GDMT for HfrEF. Follow-up echocardiogram 4 months later showed recovery of systolic EF to 60%.
CONCLUSION
It is essential to consider new onset HFrEF in the evaluation and management of new onset tachyarrhythmias since IV fluids and AV nodal blocking agents can be harmful in decompensated HFrEF. With the advent of POCUS, HFrEF can be quickly identified, and therapy can be tailored to that diagnosis.
PubMed: 38596561
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1261 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024Air embolism is a known risk during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and is associated with an incomplete deairing of the delivery system despite the saline...
BACKGROUND
Air embolism is a known risk during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and is associated with an incomplete deairing of the delivery system despite the saline lavage recommended by the instructions for use (IFU). As the delivery systems are identical and residual air remains frequently in the abdominal aortic aneurysm sac, endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) can be used to examine the effectiveness of deairing maneuvers. We aimed to evaluate whether increasing the flush volume can result in a more complete deairing.
METHODS
Patients undergoing EVAR were randomly assigned according to flushing volume (Group A, 1× IFU; Group B, 4× IFU). The Terumo Aortic Anaconda and Treo and Cook Zenith Alpha Abdominal stent grafts were randomly implanted in equal distribution (10-10-10). The quantity of air trapped in the aneurysm sac was measured using a pre-discharge computed tomography angiography (CTA). Thirty patients were enrolled and equally distributed between the two groups, with no differences observed in any demographic or anatomical factors.
RESULTS
The presence of air was less frequent in Group A compared to that in Group B [7 (47%) vs. 13 (87%), = .02], and the air volume was less in Group A compared to that in Group B (103.5 ± 210.4 vs. 175.5 ± 175.0 mm, = .04). Additionally, the volume of trapped air was higher with the Anaconda graft type ( = .025).
DISCUSSION
These findings suggest that increased flushing volume is associated with a higher amount of trapped air; thus, following the IFU might be associated with a reduced risk of air embolization. Furthermore, significant differences were identified between devices in terms of the amount of trapped air.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
[NCT04909190], [ClinicalTrials.gov].
PubMed: 38586170
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1335903 -
Medicine Apr 2024Air embolization is usually an iatrogenic complication that can occur in both veins and arteries. Intravenous air embolization is mainly associated with large central...
BACKGROUND
Air embolization is usually an iatrogenic complication that can occur in both veins and arteries. Intravenous air embolization is mainly associated with large central vein catheters and mechanical ventilation. A 59-year-old woman was sent to our hospital with spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage and treated conservatively with a left forearm peripheral venous catheter infusion drug. After 48 hours, the patient's oxygen saturation decreased to 92 % with snoring breathing. Computer tomography of the head and chest revealed scattered gas in the right subclavian, the right edge of the sternum, the superior vena cava, and the leading edge of the heart shadow.
METHODS
She was sent to the intensive care unit for high-flow oxygen inhalation and left-side reclining instantly. As the patient was at an acute stage of cerebral hemorrhage and did not take the Trendelenburg position.
RESULTS
The computed tomography (CT) scan after 24 hours shows that the air embolism subsides.
CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS
Air embolism can occur in any clinical scenario, suggesting that medical staff should enhance the ability to identify and deal with air embolism. For similar cases in clinical practice, air embolism can be considered.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Catheterization, Central Venous; Embolism, Air; Vena Cava, Superior; Central Venous Catheters; Cerebral Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38579042
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037640