Rosiglitazone-induced anasarca without heart failure: capillary leakage?

Severity of thiazolidinedione (Rosiglitazone)-induced fluid retention is linked almost exclusively to cardiac decompensation. We here report a 68-year old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in whom a life-threatening (anasarca type) acute pulmonary edema, induced by rosiglitazone plus insulin therapy, occurred without any evidence of left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction. It seems that thiazolidinedione-induced severe edema does not have to be the result of acute congestive heart failure. These agents have been shown to increase vascular permeability in experimental models. Thus, the recommendation of only cardiac monitoring in pulmonary edema, associated with thiazolidinediones, should be reconsidered.     

Nutrition support for the patient with an open abdomen after major abdominal trauma

OBJECTIVE: Nutrition support in the severely injured trauma patient is crucial to minimize the hypermetabolic stress response. Even though enteral nutrition is the preferred method of feeding, it is not always feasible after multiple trauma. We present a complex nutritional case in a patient who sustained severe abdominal trauma with a severe liver injury, rib fractures, and pulmonary contusion. METHODS: The patient required several repeat laparotomies, abdominal packing, and temporary abdominal closure. The clinical course was complicated by hypotension requiring multiple vasopressors; coagulopathy requiring more than 35 U of packed red cells, more than 50 U of fresh frozen plasma, and more than 80 U of platelets; acute renal failure requiring dialysis; and pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intricate ventilator management. Nutrition intervention began on post-trauma day 4 with total parenteral nutrition due to hypotension, resuscitation, and massive bowel edema; by post-trauma day 8. the patient was receiving goal nutrients. RESULTS: On post-trauma day 27, bowel edema was significantly less, and a nasoenteric feeding tube was placed and enteral feeding initiated. By post-trauma day 31, full enteral feeds were tolerated, and total parenteral nutrition was stopped. Nutrient provision was adjusted daily to account for organ and metabolic changes including hepatic, pulmonary, and renal dysfunction. The patient did well and was eventually extubated and eating a regular diet. CONCLUSION: With careful monitoring and adjusting of the nutritional plan, a hypermetabolic complex trauma patient with an open abdomen can be fed optimally, safely, and successfully despite increased bowel edema and multiple organ dysfunction.     

Groin and Leg Pain After Cancer Surgery

A 76-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatic heart disease was evaluated for possible valve replacement surgery and resection of a mass in the left ventricle. She had been asymptomatic until age 60 but during the past 10 years had experienced progressive congestive heart failure. Atrial fibrillation had been present for 20 years. A recent echocardiogram showed aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve disease, marked enlargement of both atria, and a large, round, immobile mass in the left ventricle. The patient had no history of angina, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke. Her medications included digoxin, furosemide, enalapril, and warfarin.

The patient appeared thin, elderly, and in no acute distress. Her temperature was 36.70 C; pulse, 70 bpm; blood pressure, 113/68 mmHg; respirations, 17 per min; and oxygen saturation, 92% by pulse oximetry. The patient's jugular veins were distended to the jaw angle while she was sitting, and they exhibited a prominent systolic expansion. The lungs were clear. A diffuse parasternal lift and prominent systolic and diastolic murmurs were detected over the entire precordium. Cardiac rhythm was unevenly irregular. Hepatomegaly was present, but no peripheral edema was seen. The ECG is shown.     

Large ostium secundum atrial septal defect discovered after severe mitral regurgitation. A case report

Mitral regurgitation is associated with ostium secundum atrial septal defect in about 22% of cases. mitral valve prolapse induced by atrial shunt is the main cause of this regurgitation. Ususually, atrial septal defect discovery precedes that of mitral regurgitation. The aim of this paper is to focus on clinical, hemodynamic and evolutive details of atrial septal defect and mitral regurgitation association. We report the case of large atrial septal defect in 37 years old girl referred for hemodynamic investigation of mitral regurgitation. The divergence of clinical data, electrocardiogram and echocardiography findings has led to atrial septal defect discovery. Hemodynamic data showed severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (medium pulmonary arterial pressure: 45 mmhg). Hence, mitral valve substitution by mechanical prosthesis and closure of atrial septal defect have been carried out. Ten hours after surgery, death occurred because of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and heart failure. CONCLUSION: Association of severe mitral regurgitation and large ostium secundum atrial septal defect is an original anatomo-clinic entity caracterized by mitral valve lesions diversity and severe secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension. Danger of such a hypertension is due to progressive and infra clinical rise of pulmonary resistances and association of increased pulmonary blood flow and capillary pulmonary hypertension.     

突发群体性氯气中毒1 539例临床救治

目的总结突发群体性氯气中毒的诊治体会并探讨其疾病特点与有效应对策略。 方法回顾性总结分析2009年6月至2017年5月,发生的4次突发性化工厂氯气泄漏事故所致的群体性氯气中毒抢救案例,总计1 539例,其中男性746例,女性793例;年龄7 d ～ 90岁,平均(43.8±0.69)岁。根据患者的症状、体征、影像学检查(胸部X线片及胸部CT)及动脉血气分析等实验室检查结果诊断并分级。对重症急性肺水肿患者,在综合治疗基础上,采用20AA复方氨基酸联用维生素B₆及短程山莨菪碱联用地塞米松冲击疗法,病情平稳后结合中药"柴黄参祛毒固本汤"辅助调理治疗。观察总结中毒初期及重症患者疾病进展过程中的临床表现、胸部X线片及胸部CT、实验室检查(血常规、血生化、动脉血气分析)的特点;计算抢救成功率,评价上述创新治疗方法对急性氯气中毒患者的治疗有效性。 结果1 539例急性氯气中毒患者中,1 041例(67.6%)出现轻度刺激反应,394例(25.6%)轻度中毒,79例(5.1%)中度中毒,25例(1.6%)重度中毒。重度氯气中毒患者治疗96 h内,症状开始好转,并逐渐进入恢复期,经2周左右持续治疗基本痊愈。1 539例患者均治愈,无1例死亡;对25例重症急性化学性肺水肿患者进行长期随访,未出现肺纤维化或肿瘤等远期效应。 结论氯气中毒病情发展快,防治肺水肿是治疗的关键。在综合治疗的基础上,采用20AA复方氨基酸联用维生素B₆、短程山莨菪碱联用地塞米松冲击疗法及柴黄参祛毒固本中药方剂有良好疗效。     

Pneumocystis carinii as a cause of pneumonia in HIV-infected patients in Lusaka, Zambia.

4 cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients studied at the University of Zambia Medical School, Lusaka, were verified by bronchoalveolar lavage. Pneumocystis is common in North American AIDS patients, but has been considered rare in Africa. One reason may be that facilities for diagnosis, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, are not usually available. 44 consecutive HIV seropositive patients who were unresponsive to a 10-day course of antibiotics, and whose sputum was negative for acid fast bacteria, underwent bronchoalveolar lavage from February 1990 to December 1990. HIV status was assayed with Welcozyme ELISA kits, and P. carinii was detected with toluidine blue O stain. The 1st case of confirmed P. carinii pneumonia was a 35-year old man who had a productive cough for 4 weeks, fever, and dyspnea. He was treated with co-trimoxazole and was symptom-free in 3 weeks, but developed severe Stevens-Johnson reaction. His cultures were positive for M. tuberculosis at week 8. He was lost to follow-up. The 2nd case was a 26-year old man with a 6-month history of cough and white sputum, treated without effect with antituberculous medication. He improved over 3 weeks with co-trimoxazole, but died of respiratory failure 2 months later. The 3rd case was a 30-year old woman being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis, who became progressively dyspneic 7 months later. She developed a generalized maculo-papular rash after taking co-trimoxazole, so was given dapsone 100 mg/day, prednisone 1 mg/kg/day, and trimethoprim 15 mg/kg for 1 week. She improve in 3 weeks. The 4th case was a 30-year old man with a 4-week history of dry cough and dyspnea and recent high fever. He was given co-trimoxazole, but developed generalized purpura after 5 days. His treatment was changed to Dapsone 100 mg/day, prednisone 1 mg/kg/day, and antituberculous medication. He improved after 3 weeks, and is being maintained on Fansidar 1 tablet/week. These cases are remarkable because 2 of them also had pulmonary tuberculosis, which is often the presumed diagnosis of pneumonia in African AIDS patients. Furthermore, 3 developed serious drug reactions to co-trimoxazole, also considered an uncommon occurrence.     

Hydrogen sulfide poisonings in hot-spring reservoir cleaning: two case reports

The potential hazards to maintenance personnel cleaning hot-spring reservoirs are reported following two severe and unusual episodes of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning involving seven workers. In the first episode, five victims lost consciousness immediately after climbing down a manhole to the bottom of a reservoir disregarding a strong odor of rotten eggs. One of them died immediately. Of the four who lived, three developed hemorrhagic keratoconjunctivitis and aspiration pneumonia, but no sequelae were observed 2 years later. In the second episode, two workers had been cleaning the reservoir for about 2 hours when one collapsed and his companion went to seek help. Both died of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to pulmonary edema within 12 hours. Since hot-spring bathing is a popular recreation in Taiwan, other accidents of hydrogen sulfide poisoning may have occurred but have not been reported. Such clinical information is helpful to enable regulators to initiate proper precautions to safeguard those workers involved.     

产科围术期子痫前期急性肺水肿的临床干预研究

目的:通过产科围术期干预,降低子痫前期急性肺水肿的发生率。方法:选择本院产科68例重度子痫前期剖宫产者,随机分为干预组(33例)和对照组(35例),对照组给予解痉治疗,干预组在此基础上于产后予利尿治疗,比较两组手术前后血氧饱和度、呼吸频率、心率、平均动脉压及围术期急性肺水肿发生率等指标。结果:干预组术后血氧饱和度(98.30±1.40)%与对照组(93.57±2.76)%相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。干预组术后呼吸频率及心率分别为19.61±1.73次/分、85.33±11.98次/分,均低于对照组的23.17±3.97次/分、104.31±13.11次/分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。干预组术后尿量为248.45±32.76ml/h,明显多于对照组的97.20±26.49ml/h(P<0.01)。干预组术后平均动脉压为102.79±9.58mmHg,比对照组的117.06±8.20mmHg明显下降(P<0.05)。干预组术后胶体渗透压为17.66±3.17mmHg,明显高于对照组的13.65±4.17mmHg,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。干预组围术期急性肺水肿发生率为3.03%,明显低于对照组的19.44%(P<0.05)。结论:通过围术期干预治疗,可改善子痫前期剖宫产者肺功能,降低急性肺水肿的发生率。     

在青藏铁路施工中阶梯式习服对急性重型高原病预防的作用

目的了解阶梯式习服在急性重型高原病(即高原肺水肿及高原脑水肿)预防中的作用。方法通过对2003年3—10月中旬进入青藏铁路西藏段(唐古拉山口至西藏拉萨段)施工的22200名施工人员重型急性高原病的发病情况调查,并对采用不同方式进入高原的发病情况进行比较,对采用阶梯式方式进入高原的发病情况进行分析。结果2003年7个月中,共计进入青藏铁路西藏段施工人员22200名,发生高原肺水肿184例(男180例,女4例,年龄20～45岁)及高原脑水肿155例(均为男性,年龄22～44岁),发病率分别为0.83%和0.70%。位于同海拔高度的阶梯式者与未习服者比较,未习服者的发病率明显高于阶梯式习服者。结论急性重型高原病的发病率随着海拔的升高而增高。平原大规模人群进入高原地区,采用阶梯式习服方式进入高原能有效降低急性重型高原病的发病率,而对于大规模人群急进高原,在海拔2500m左右建立习服站不失为一种较好的办法。     

Fumonisin toxicosis in swine: an overview of porcine pulmonary edema and current perspectives

Fumonisin toxicosis in swine was named porcine pulmonary edema (PPE) after outbreaks of a fatal disease in pigs fed Fusarium verticillioides (F. moniliforme)-contaminated corn screenings from the 1989 corn crop in Iowa, Illinois, and Georgia. Pigs that died had severe pulmonary edema, which has not been identified in other species after exposure to fumonisins. The disease has been reproduced experimentally by feeding of naturally contaminated corn, F. verticillioides culture material, and by intravenous administration of fumonisin B1 (FB1). Hepatic lesions consisting of apoptosis, necrosis, and hepatocyte proliferation also are observed. As in other species, alterations in clinical pathology reflect hepatic injury as well as elevated serum cholesterol concentration. In chronic studies, esophageal plaques, hyperplastic hepatic nodules, and right ventricular hypertrophy were found. In pigs, as in other species, fumonisin alters sphingolipid biosynthesis, with the greatest alterations in sphingosine and sphinganine concentrations in kidney, liver, lung, and heart. Our recent studies on fumonisin toxicosis in pigs have focused on immune effects and the pathogenesis of pulmonary edema. The specific immune system was not affected; however, FB1 inhibited phagocytosis and sphingolipid biosynthesis in pulmonary macrophages. Fumonisin induced an accumulation of membranous material in pulmonary capillary endothelial cells; this change appears specific to this cell type and to swine. In short-term cardiovascular studies, fumonisin decreased left ventricular dP/dt(max) (an index of cardiac contractility), mean systemic arterial pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output, and increased mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure. These changes are compatible with the inhibition of L-type calcium channels by increased sphingosine and/or sphinganine concentration. Therefore, fumonisin-induced pulmonary edema in swine appears to result from acute left-sided heart failure mediated by altered sphingolipid biosynthesis.     

原发性肾病综合征并发急性肾功能衰竭17例临床与病理分析

目的观察原发性肾病综合征(iNS)并发急性肾功能衰竭(ARF)的临床和病理特征。方法对我院收治的17例iNS并发ARF患者的临床、病理特征及治疗转归进行分析,并与同期17例随机抽取的无ARF的iNS进行比较。结果iNS并发ARF多为少尿型ARF(765%):其合并高度水肿、胸腹腔积液、高血压、心衰肺水肿的比例分别为76.5%、64.7%、47.1%和58.8%,均显著高于对照组。肾小球微小病变和轻度系膜增生性肾小球肾炎占iNS并发ARF的58.8%,但两组之间肾小球病理类型的构成比无显著性差别。iNS并发ARF的小管间病变较重,均表现弥漫间质水肿,7例表现肾小管上皮细胞灶性坏死,5例伴间质炎症细胞浸润。17例iNS并发ARF患者中,2例经利尿等治疗后肾功能恢复,其余15例均行连续性肾脏替代治疗(CRRT),14例肾功能完全恢复。结论临床上iNS并发ARF多为少尿性ARF,常合并高度水肿、胸腹腔积液、高血压、心衰竭肺水肿;可发生于各种肾小球病理类型,小管间质病变均较重;经合理治疗,尤其是CRRT的应用,多预后良好。     

Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and left ventricular function in severe mitral stenosis

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) on left ventricular (LV) performance. We studied 30 patients with severe mitral stenosis undergoing successful PMC by cardiac catheterization and angiography before and 5 minutes after PMC. All patients were in sinus rhythm and no patient had hypertension or clinical coronary artery disease. We conclude that the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and the stroke volume increased significantly immediately after PMC because of and increase in LV filling after relieving the mitral mechanical obstruction.     

Is everything clear about Tako-tsubo syndrome?

INTRODUCTION: Tako-tsubo syndrome is a novel cardio-vascular disease affecting predominantly postmenopausal women exposed to unexpected strong emotional or physical stress, in the absence of significant coronary heart disease. It is characterized by acute onset of severe chest pain and/or acute left ventricular failure, ECG-changes, typical left ventricular angiographic findings, good prognosis and positive resolution of the morphological and clinical manifestations. First described in 1990 in Japan by Sato, Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient contractile abnormalities of the left ventricle, causing typical left ventricular apical ballooning at end-systole with concomitant compensatory basal hyperkinesia. There are also atypical forms, presenting with left ventricular systolic dysfunction which affects the mid-portions of the left ventricle. The etiology of the disease still remains unclear. Many theories have been put forward about the potential underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that may trigger this syndrome among which are the theory of catecholamine excess, the theory of multivessel coronary vasospasm, the ischemic theory, and the theory of microvascular dysfunction and dynamic left ventricular gradient induced by elevated circulating catecholamine levels. Adequate management of Tako-tsubo syndrome demands immediate preparation for coronary angiography. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment is primarily symptomatic and includes monitoring for complications. Patients with Tako-tsubo syndrome most frequently develop acute LV failure, pulmonary edema, rhythm and conductive disturbances and apical thrombosis. Treatment is symptomatic and includes administration of diuretics, vasodilators and mechanical support of circulation with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.     

大鼠脑损伤后脑水肿与精氨酸加压素含量的相关性研究

目的探讨颅脑损伤后血浆中精氨酸加压素（AVP）的动态变化与继发性脑水肿的关系。方法以自由落体硬膜外撞击方法制作轻度和重度大鼠脑损伤模型，应用放射免疫法检测大鼠脑伤后24h、48h、72h和5d血浆中AVP的含量，干湿重法测定脑组织含水量。结果颅脑损伤早期血浆AVP含量与脑水肿严重程度呈正相关。颅脑损伤越严重，AVP升高越明显，脑水肿程度越重（P〈0．05）。结论颅脑损伤后血浆中AVP的含量与继发性脑水肿密切相关，AVP是参与颅脑损伤后继发性脑水肿形成的重要因素之一。     

The acute respiratory distress syndrome: role of nutritional modulation of inflammation through dietary lipids.

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most serious form of acute hypoxic respiratory failure. ARDS represents the expression of an acute, diffuse, inflammatory process in the lungs consequent to a variety of infectious and noninfectious conditions. It is characterized pathologically by damage to pulmonary epithelial and endothelial cells, with subsequent alveolar-capillary leak and exudative pulmonary edema. The main clinical features of ARDS include rapid onset of dyspnea, severe defects in gas exchange, and imaging studies demonstrating diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. The role of nutrition in the management of ARDS has traditionally been supportive. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of certain dietary oils (eg, fish oil, borage oil) to modulate pulmonary inflammation, thereby improving lung compliance and oxygenation, and reducing time on mechanical ventilation. This article reviews the alterations in the immune response that underlie ARDS, discusses the physiology of dietary oils as immunonutrients, summarizes animal and human studies that explore the therapeutic effects of dietary oils, and provides clinical recommendations for their use.     

Myocardial Infarct Pattern in Sarcoidosis

A 48-year-old man with cough, fever, and malaise was found to have disseminated Coccidioides immitis infection. He had a history of rheumatic heart disease with mitral valve stenosis and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A porcine mitral valve replacement had been performed one year earlier. His daily medications included warfarin, 5 mg; hydroxyzine, 10 mg; digoxin, 0.25 mg; and slow-release verapamil, 480 mg.

Therapy was started with amphotericin B, 2.5 gm given intravenously, followed by itraconazole, 200 mg twice a day. Four weeks later the patient complained of malaise and nausea. On examination, he appeared to be in no acute distress. Blood pressure was 121/54 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats per minute and regular; respirations, 18 per minute; temperature, 37.0°C. Examination of the skin, head, ears, eyes, nose, throat, and neck were unremarkable. The chest was clear. There was a grade 2 systolic ejection murmur, with no rub or gallop. The remainder of the examination was unremarkable.

The complete blood cell count and serum levels of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and glucose were normal. The ECG is shown.     

Obesity and an Abnormal ECG

A 44-year-old woman was evaluated for dyspnea on exertion, lightheadedness, and fatigue of two years' duration. The patient, who was 5 feet tall and usually weighed 150 pounds, had been overweight for many years. Four years earlier, she had enrolled in a weight reduction program that included drug therapy. She had lost 25 pounds during the first three months but nothing after that, even though she continued taking the antiobesity medication for two years. Her symptoms had begun with mild dyspnea, which she had attributed to obesity, but the dyspnea had become progressively severe.

She was in no acute distress. Blood pressure was 129/75 mm Hg; pulse, 90 bpm and regular; respirations, 13 per minute; temperature, 37.0°C; and oxygen saturation 92% on room air. Jugular venous pressure was normal, the lungs were clear, and no ankle edema was present. Examination of the heart showed a loud second sound in the pulmonary area and a soft third sound at the left sternal border.

The chest x-ray showed a normal heart size, prominent central pulmonary arteries, and clear peripheral lung fields. Hematocrit was 38%, and serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and glucose levels were normal. The ECG is shown.     

重度子痫前期并发肺水肿的临床特点及母婴预后

目的:分析重度子痫前期并发肺水肿的临床特点及母婴预后。方法:将该院2004年1月~2005年8月间161例重度子痫前期,分为并发肺水肿组(肺水肿组,31例)和未并发肺水肿组(非肺水肿组,130例),比较其临床特点和母婴预后。结果:两组间比较,终止妊娠的时间、宫内死胎发生率、早产发生率、新生儿窒息率、新生儿5 min Apgar评分<7分、围产儿死亡率、新生儿出生体重差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。入院时患者的呼吸、心率、谷草转氨酶、乳酸脱氢酶及孕产妇并发症的发生率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:重度子痫前期并发肺水肿明显影响母婴预后导致不良结局。     

Mitral regurgitation: current trends in diagnosis and management

Mitral regurgitation is the most prevalent heart valve disorder in the United States. Individuals with mitral regurgitation may be asymptomatic or may present with dyspnea, orthopnea, fatigue, and/or heart rhythm disturbances. Long-standing mitral regurgitation causes chronic left ventricular volume overload, which leads to left ventricular dilation and contractile dysfunction. Without treatment, mitral regurgitation results in biventricular failure and death. Echocardiography is the preferred diagnostic test to assess the presence and severity of mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve surgery, the only effective treatment for patients with severe mitral regurgitation, is recommended early in the course of the disease to prevent the development of heart failure. Early recognition of mitral regurgitation and timely referral for mitral valve surgery significantly improve symptoms and long-term survival.     

Effectiveness of CT for clinical stratification of occupational lung edema

We treated two occupational lung diseases in different situations during military training. The purpose of this study is to investigate the availability of CT scanning for the evaluation of inhalation pulmonary edema. Two soldiers suffered severe lung edema after using a spray for the daily maintenance of their firearms. Four soldiers suffered severe dyspnea after undertaking drills in a narrow zone where numerous smoke bombs had been used. We evaluated these patients from several aspects. CT scans of the chest of spray-induced patients revealed bilateral infiltration predominantly in the upper lung fields. The patients received steroid pulse treatment and gradually recovered. CT scans of the chest of smoke-induced patients revealed bilateral ground-glass attenuation with peripheral lung sparing. The patients gradually recovered with steroid therapy. In accordance with previous studies, CT scans of the chest in our patients demonstrated that the periphery of the lungs remained normal, except in cases of serious injury. When differential diagnosis is required, we consider that CT scans of the chest are particularly useful; CT findings are useful in determining the severity of lung injury as well as the diagnosis of inhalation pulmonary edema.