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A randomized trial of copper therapy in rats with electrocardiographic abnormalities due to copper deficiency.

Abnormalities of the ECG were induced in rats by a diet deficient in copper. Abnormalities of the ST segment, bundle branch block, supraventricular beats, ventricular beats, and wandering pacemaker were found. Ventricular aneurysm, hemothorax, pleural effusion, cardiac rupture, and hemopericardium also occurred. Gross pathology and abnormal electrophysiology were not closely associated. Electrocardiograms of 12 rats were found to have abnormal ST segments. Rats with similar electrocardiographic abnormalities were assigned to pairs, one member of each pair was selected for treatment with copper by coin toss. Gross pathological findings of treated and untreated rats were similar. Treatment improved the survival of the group and the ECGs of four of the six. These findings were related to certain aspects of ischemic heart disease and to dietary copper in the industrialized part of the world.

Animals↗

Fetal skull fracture from an automobile accident.

This is a case report of a fetal skull fracture that resulted in fetal death caused by a high-velocity automobile accident. As a 25-year old gravida 3, para 2, was pulling out of a driveway onto a highway, her car was struck in the left front end by a car traveling perpendicular to her vehicle. She died almost instantly from shock caused by massive injuries and internal hemorrhage. She had a fractured rib and multiple fractures of the pelvis as well as bilateral hemothorax and ruptured splenic and renal vessels. The fetus had depressed multiple skull fractures. The probable mechanism of fetal injury, as well as the influence of seat restraints on injury to the mother and fetus, are discussed.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Spontaneous rupture of thoracic aorta through an atheromatous plaque: case report and literature review.

Spontaneous rupture of thoracic aorta without aneurysm formation is extremely rare. A case of spontaneous rupture through an atheromatous plaque in an 82-year-old woman is reported. She presented with atypical chest pain, and chest radiography revealed no evidence of aneurysm. She died suddenly in the hospital within 24 h after admission. At autopsy, there was an intimal tear and rupture of the descending aorta through an atheromatous plaque, resulting in massive hemothorax. The previous reported cases of spontaneous aortic rupture were reviewed. The pathology of spontaneous aortic rupture are discussed with emphasis on the dating of the rupture, which may have significant medicolegal importance.

Aged↗

Nasogastric tube knotting over the epiglottis: a cause of respiratory distress.

IMPLICATIONS: Nasogastric tube placement can cause ulceration and bleeding from the nose, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach. Its accidental placement into the tracheopulmonary system may lead to pneumothorax, hemothorax, or even death. We report a case of its knotting over the epiglottis, leading to life-threatening respiratory distress.

Adult↗

Open-lung biopsy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that fibrosis present during the fibroproliferative phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be treated by corticosteroids. However, neither clinical nor microbiologic criteria permit differentiation of this fibroproliferative phase from a nosocomial pneumonia. The aim of this observational case series was to evaluate the safety and utility of open-lung biopsy (OLB) performed in patients receiving ventilatory support who had persistent ARDS despite negative bacterial cultures. METHODS: During a 4-yr period, 37 OLBs were performed in 36 of 197 patients receiving ventilatory support who had ARDS. The severity of ARDS was assessed by a lung injury score of 3.1 +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SD) and a median ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) to the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 118 mmHg. Histologic examination; bacterial, fungal, and acid-fast staining; and cultures of the tissue sample were performed. RESULTS: Fibrosis was present in only 41% of the lung specimens obtained by OLB. Only six patients received corticosteroids (17%). In 9 of the 15 patients with fibrosis, cytomegalovirus pneumonia precluded the use of corticosteroids. Histologic cytomegalovirus pneumonia was diagnosed in 18 cases. Histologic bacterial or mycobacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in five cases. No significant change in arterial blood gases was noted as linked to the biopsy procedure except an increase of the PaO2/FiO2 ratio. One pneumothorax was diagnosed on a chest roentgenogram 12 h after OLB. Only one patient required blood transfusion during the 48-h period after OLB (for an hemothorax). Five patients had moderate air leaks from operative chest tubes for 2-10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Open lung biopsy appeared to be a useful and acceptably safe diagnostic technique in patients with ARDS. It permitted the diagnosis of unexpected cytomegalovirus pneumonia.

APACHE↗

Selective management of flail chest and pulmonary contusion.

Four hundred and twenty-seven patients with severe blunt chest trauma were treated resulting in (1) flail chest, (2) pulmonary contusions, (3) pneumothorax, (4) hemothorax, or (5) multiple rib fracture. The need for endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation was determined selectively by standard clinical criteria. Avoidance of fluid overload and vigorous pulmonary toilet was attempted in all patients. Three hundred and twenty-eight patients were treated by nonintubation; 318 patients (96.6%) had a successful outcome, while ten required intubation. Only one patient died. The 99 patients who required intubation and mechanical ventilation had a high mortality because of associated shock and head injury; however, the total mortality for the entire group of patients was 6.5%, with only 1.4% mortality caused by pulmonary injury. The incidence of pneumonia was high (51%), but there was only a 4% incidence of tracheostomy complications. Flail chest and pulmonary contusion without flail chest occurred in 95 and 135 patients, respectively. Half of the flail chest patients were intubated, but 69.5% were intubated less than three days. Twenty per cent of the patients with pulmonary contusion required mechanical ventilation, usually for less than three days. This study demonstrates that patients with severe blunt chest trauma can be managed safely by selective intubation and mechanical, ventilation and that the incidence of complications associated with controlled mechanical ventilation can be greatly reduced.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery. What is real progress?

OBJECTIVE: The authors aim to substantiate, with objective arguments, potential advantages of laparoscopic versus open antireflux surgery in the light of the recent crude experience of the Louvain Medical School Hospital. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with disabling gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD], n = 56), symptomatic hiatal hernia without GERD (n = 5), or unsatisfactory outcome after unsuccessful antireflux procedure (n = 11) were operated on by laparotomy (n = 28), laparoscopy (n = 39), or thoracotomy (n = 5). The antireflux procedure was a subdiaphragmatic Nissen fundoplication (n = 60), an intrathoracic Nissen fundoplication (short esophagus, n = 3), a subdiaphragmatic 240 degrees fundoplication (severe motility disorders, n = 3), a Lortat-Jacob repair (hiatal hernia without GERD, n = 5), and a duodenal diversion (delayed gastric emptying, n = 1). RESULTS: Major postoperative morbidity included two pulmonary embolisms (one laparoscopy patient and one laparotomy patient), and one hemothorax (one thoracotomy patient). Mean hospital stay was 6.4 days for laparoscopy, 7.8 days for laparotomy, and 12.5 days for thoracotomy. Postoperative morphine consumption (patient-controlled analgesia) averaged 47 mg/48 hrs (laparoscopy) versus 46 mg/48 hrs (laparotomy with primary antireflux surgery) (p > 0.05). Although 93% of the laparoscopy patients returned to work within 3 weeks after surgery, 92% of the laparotomy and thoracotomy patients resumed their activity after more than 6 weeks. At follow-up, 87.5% of the patients were asymptomatic or had inconsequential symptoms, 9.8% had disabling side effects, and 2.7% had persistent or recurring esophageal symptoms. There were four parietal herniations, i.e., one incisional hernia and one recurrence of a repaired umbilical hernia in the laparotomy group, and two herniations of the wrap into the chest--probably related to a premature return to manual work--in the laparoscopy group. Three laparoscopy patients were dissatisfied with the esthetics of their scars. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal acid exposure in the laparoscopy patients who were investigated were normal in 100% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is a good approach for achieving successful antireflux surgery in selected cases. However, its fails to substantially reduce postoperative complication rate and discomfort, duration of the hospital stay, and the risk of esthetic sequela. Early return to work is questionable for manual workers. The subdiaphragmatic Nissen fundoplication is not an all-purpose antireflux procedure.

Adult↗

Pulmonary complications after coronary revascularization.

Pulmonary complications are common after coronary artery bypass grafting. Identifying those individuals with increased risk of respiratory complications allows for appropriate preoperative intervention. The most commonly seen pulmonary complications include pleural effusion, hemothorax, atelectasis, pulmonary edema, diaphragmatic dysfunction, and pneumonia. Clinical features and appropriate management of these common problems are discussed.

Humans↗

Week long partial pulmonary bypass with an artificial lung pumped by the right ventricle.

Extracorporeal pumping PA-LA perfusions were carried out for 24 hrs in 5 awake, alert lambs by cannulating the main PA and the LA with large bore polyurethane cannulae. A mean of 42% of the basal cardiac was pumped through the membrane lung. When the PA occluder cuff was progressively inflated, up to 80% of the basal cardiac output was diverted to the extracorporeal circuit for short periods. Hemothorax remained a significant problem. Three lambs were electively perfused 12 hrs, 36 hrs, and 8 days without a roller pump, using a low resistance spiral coil membrane lung pumped by the RV. By inflating the occluder cuff, a mean of 55% of basal cardiac output was pumped by the RV through the membrane lung. The 8 day bypass lamb remained healthy and active without any bleeding or gross pathology. We did not observe air emboli, thromboemboli or gross infections in either group. We believe that such a mode of cannulation will eventually allow long-term perfusion of a low resistance membrane oxygenator driven directly by the RV.

Animals↗

Utility of chest radiographs after guidewire exchanges of central venous catheters.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether chest radiographs are warranted after uncomplicated guidewire exchanges of central venous catheters in patients admitted to a Level I trauma intensive care unit. DESIGN: Prospective study performed in two phases. SETTING: Intensive care unit in a Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to a Level I trauma center intensive care unit who required central venous catheter guidewire exchanges. INTERVENTIONS: Criteria for uncomplicated guidewire exchanges were established and followed. A catheter exchange checklist was completed at each procedure, and a chest radiograph was performed after each guidewire exchange. The complications followed were catheter malposition, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and cardiac tamponade. Results were reviewed after 3 mos, and a second phase of the study was initiated in which chest radiographs were obtained selectively and were not performed for uncomplicated exchanges. If obtained, subsequent radiographs were reviewed, and patients were followed to discharge for complications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred central venous catheter exchanges with postprocedure radiographs were evaluated in phase I. The only complication identified was one malpositioned catheter. In phase II, 110 patients were followed. Eighty-four patients did not have chest radiographs performed after guidewire exchange; 69 patients had subsequent radiographs documenting good placement of the catheter, and 15 patients did not have a radiograph before death (n = 2) or discharge from the hospital (n = 13). Sixteen patients had postprocedure radiographs performed. There were no malpositioned catheters or complications related to guidewire exchanges. CONCLUSIONS: Chest radiographs are unwarranted after uncomplicated guidewire exchanges of central venous catheters in hemodynamically stable, monitored patients. Eliminating these radiographs will result in significant cost and time savings without adversely affecting patient outcome.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗

Evaluation of the utility of computed tomography in the initial assessment of the critical care patient with chest trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of thoracic computed tomography (TCT) in the initial assessment of critically ill patients with chest injuries. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of cohorts. SETTING: Trauma intensive care unit (ICU) of a Spanish Level III hospital (US equivalent Level I). PATIENTS: Three hundred seventy-five patients with chest injuries were studied, grouped into two cohorts according to whether they underwent admission TCT (exposed cohort, group I, n = 104) or not (unexposed cohort, group II, n = 271). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic data, initial severity scores, and chest radiograph (CXR)-based diagnosis were collected in all patients as independent variables. In patients of group I, we also recorded the TCT-based diagnosis and any incidents, complications, or therapy changes resulting from the TCT. The need for and duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and ICU mortality were gathered in the whole sample as dependent variables. The admission data were similar in the two groups, except for a higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) and thoracic ISS in group I. TCT proved to be more sensitive than CXR in detecting pulmonary contusion, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and vertebral fractures and in identifying the faulty placement of chest drainage tubes. TCT findings induced therapy changes in approximately 30% of patients in group I. In the other dependent variables studied, there were no differences between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, the TCT screening had no effects on the time on mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: TCT detects more chest injuries in trauma patients than does CXR and induces therapy changes in a considerable number of patients. However, this does not translate into an improvement in clinical outcomes.

APACHE↗

Pediatric thoracic trauma.

Although thoracic injuries occur less frequently in children than adults, they remain a source of substantial morbidity and mortality. Disparate problems such as rib fractures, lung injury, hemothorax, pneumothorax, mediastinal injuries, and others may present in isolation or in combination with one another. Knowledge of the manner in which pediatric anatomy, physiology, and injury patterns change with age may expedite the evaluation of the pediatric chest after trauma. Differences in pulmonary functional residual capacity, blood volume, chest wall and spinal soft-tissue mobility, and cardiac function may translate into problems or benefits of important consequence. For example, although more predisposed to hypoxemia, young children may remain well compensated hemodynamically, despite significant blood loss. Rare injuries in children, such as cardiac and great vessel trauma, may remain undiagnosed precisely because of their scarcity and protean symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Indications for aortography. Radiography after blunt chest trauma: a reassessment of the radiographic findings associated with traumatic rupture of the aorta.

Indications for aortography in truncal trauma patients have expanded as reports of radiographic findings associated with traumatic rupture of the aorta (TRA) have proliferated. By studying to what extent these findings also occurred in trauma patients without TRA, we determined the utility of these findings in selecting patients for aortography. The detection of nine radiographic findings associated with TRA was tabulated in 173 patients undergoing arch aortography to rule out TRA from 1975 to 1980. Twenty-five of these had TRA. All patients with TRA under age 65 had a widened mediastinum (WM); this was the only finding that taken alone correlated significantly with TRA (P = 0.001). Only two of six patients with TRA over 65 had a WM. Other findings such as hemothorax, fracture of ribs 1 or 2, pulmonary contusion, or multiple rib fracture were more likely to be found in patients without TRA. Formal radiographic interpretation by staff radiologists detected more radiographic abnormalities than physicians caring for the patient emergencly, who had access to a junior radiology resident. However, these physicians were as successful as staff radiologists in detecting WM when it was associated with TRA. A widened mediastinum is the best single criterion for aortography in young trauma patients; all elderly persons with severe truncal trauma should probably have aortography even in the absence of mediastinal widening. Radiologic consultation is important for complete detection of thoracic pathology in trauma patients, but in this study late interpretation of more subtle findings did not detect additional patients with TRA.

Adolescent↗

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation of lung VX2 tumors in a rabbit model using a cooled tip-electrode: feasibility, safety, and effectiveness.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of lung VX2 tumors implanted in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five rabbits with implanted lung VX2 tumors were divided into two groups, an RFA group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 7). In the RFA group, RFA was performed on VX2 tumors using a 17-gauge internally cooled-tip electrode. Contrast-enhanced CT was performed before the RFA and on the same day, day 3, weeks 1, 2, 3, and months 1, 2, 6, and 9, after the RFA. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by CT and pathologic findings. RESULTS: RFA of lung tumors was technically successful in each instance. Complete tumor ablation was achieved in 19 of the 28 rabbits (67.9%) in the RFA group. Nine rabbits (32.1%) showed local tumor relapse and mediastinal lymph nodal or pleural metastasis. The animals in the control group died of end-stage malignancies with diffuse tumor spread and malignant pleural effusion (mean 26 +/- 2.7 days). There were 17 (60.7%) complications related to the procedure, ie, pneumothorax (n = 12), obstructive pneumonia (n = 3), hemothorax (n = 1), and burn (n = 1). RFA of centrally located VX2 tumors (in inner 2/3 of the lung) was more frequently associated with complications than RFA of peripherally located VX2 tumors ( P= 0.02). CONCLUSION: This experimental study demonstrates the feasibility of RFA therapy for treating lung VX2 tumors in rabbits, although RFA for central tumors carries the potential for major complications, including large pneumothorax or obstructive pneumonia.

Animals↗

Indications for thoracotomy following penetrating thoracic injury.

The treatment of penetrating thoracic injuries has been reviewed in both civilian and military series. Although most surgeons agree that closed that closed thoracostomy drainage is the initial treatment of choice, the timing of early thoracotomy and perhaps cardiorrhaphy upon patients with penetrating thoracic injuries remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine which patients will require immediate thoractomy or cardiorrhaphy following penetrating chest injury. Over a two-year period 190 patients with penetrating thoracic injuries were treated. Of 53 patients who required immediate thoracotomy, 31 suffered cardiac wounds. Seventy-nine patients required laparotomy for associated intra-abdominal injuries. The mortality rate was related to exsanguinating hemorrhage or postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis. Cardiopulmonary complications were rare in the absence of intra-abdominal sepsis and could not be attributed to the thoracic injury or thoracotomy. Indications for immediate cardiorrhaphy or thoracotomy are: 1) location of the entrance wound (70% in upper mediastinum); 2) blood pressure on admission less than 90; 3) initial thoracostomy blood loss greater than 800 cc; 4) radiographic evidence of retained hemothorax; and/or 5) clinical evidence of pericardial tamponade.

Drainage↗

Transection of the descending thoracic aorta secondary to blunt trauma.

In the last ten years, 22 patients with transection of the descending thoracic aorta were seen at the Ben Taub General Hospital. Five patients with massive left hemothorax died shortly after admission. Among 17 patients in whom proximal and distal control could be achieved, three died in the operating room; three died within 30 days of operation, and one patient died of sepsis more than 1 year postinjury: ten patients are longterm survivors. Partial pump bypass was utilized in six patients, and in one a heparinized shunt was used intraoperatively. Dacron tube grafts were used in 12 cases, and primary repair was accomplished in three. One patient was paraplegic on admission, and two others in whom this was not established before operation were found to have this complication postoperatively. One patient with an infected false aneurysm 1 year after operation underwent resection of the distal aortic arch and Dacron graft with extensive extravascular bypass procedures. Patients with transection of the descending thoracic aorta die if proximal control is not achieved before rupture of the hematoma. Successful repair of this injury requires aggressive diagnostic and surgical management.

Aorta, Thoracic↗

Diaphragmatic disruption secondary to blunt abdominal trauma.

A 3-year experience with diaphragmatic disruption secondary to blunt trauma was reviewed. Seventy-five per cent of the disruptions were on the left side and the incidence of associated intra-abdominal and thoracic injuries was 100%. Disruption occurred in two distinct anatomic positions: 1) through the central tendon; 2) at the lateral costal insertion. Diagnosis was usually made by plain X-ray films of the chest, occasionally with the aid of fluoroscopy. Difficulty was encountered making the diagnosis preoperatively, especially when there was significant hemothorax and/or pulmonary contusion. Angiography was diagnostic in three cases. Careful examination of the diaphragm in all blunt abdominal cases is essential to avoid delay in diagnosis. In the patients with an associated ruptured hollow viscus there was high incidence of empyema leading to severe morbidity. In such cases concomitant thoracotomy at the time of definitive therapy should be considered. The mortality of this injury is primarily related to the incidence of associated injuries and pre-existing, nontraumatic disease. Diaphragmatic disruption rarely occurs alone in blunt trauma. Laparotomy is required for control of hemorrhage in most cases.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Transfixion injury of the chest.

A case of massive transfixion of the chest is described. It was sustained by an 18-year-old male during a high-speed motor accident. After initial treatment and operative management, complications included hemothorax and empyema. Following drainage and gentamicin the patient recovered uneventfully. Rapid transportation and correct initial management undoubtedly contributed to survival.

Accidents, Traffic↗