Complications of an unrecognized myocardial infarction

Patients with an untreated myocardial infarction may present with serious late complications. 3 patients are described. A 63-year-old woman became progressively more short of breath 4 days after an acute episode of chest pain accompanied by nausea and sweating. It proved to be a cardiogenic shock following a rupture of a papillary muscle. A man aged 65 collapsed 5 days after an episode of back pain and nausea. This was a cardiac tamponade due to rupture of the left ventricle. A woman aged 74 had transient aphasia and during investigations for this was seen to have anomalies on ECG. She had cerebral emboli and a cardiac aneurysm with associated thrombus. All 3 patients recovered following mitral-valve replacement, repair of the rupture and medicinal treatment for the clot, respectively. Around one-third of patients who have a myocardial infarction do not have chest pain but experience shortness of breath, autonomic nervous symptoms (sweating, nausea, vomiting), extreme and inexplicable tiredness and fainting. These atypical symptoms should suggest myocardial infarction. In order to avoid high morbidity and death from complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, rupture and aneurysm formation it is important that a patient who has had a myocardial infarction should be treated as soon as possible, preferably by reperfusion therapy.     

Endovascular treatment of 4 patients with a traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta

OBJECTIVE: To present our initial results with the endovascular treatment of traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHOD: Between April and October, 2002, 4 men between the ages of 22 and 46 were treated endovascularly for a traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta. The diagnosis 'rupture of the thoracic aorta' was made on the basis of CT-angiography in all cases. In the first case, a thoracic Gore TAG-endoprosthesis (Gore & Associates; Den Bosch) was used, and in 3 cases a Talent-endoprosthesis (Medtronic AVG; Heerlen). RESULTS: There was an average of 2.5 days (limits: 0-5 days) between admission and the placement of the endoprosthesis. There was one intra-operative complication in the form of a dissection of the right femoral artery when the endoprosthesis was inserted. In 3 cases, the left subclavian artery was occluded by the prosthesis. This had no negative consequences for the patients during the follow-up period (limits: 4-12 months). The CT-angiogram taken 3 months after the operation consistently showed a good position of the endoprosthesis with no signs of leakage. CONCLUSION: For a limited follow-up period, the endovascular treatment of a traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta has been shown to be safe and effective. The long term results must be awaited.     

Diagnostic modalities in diagnosis of adult patients with acute abdominal pain

In order to provide an accurate diagnosis and management strategy for adult patients with acute abdominal pain and peritoneal irritation, it is important to understand the value of various forms of diagnostics modalities. History, physical examination and laboratory results can generally differentiate between an acutely serious and a less serious abdominal problem. Patients with acute abdominal pain and no increase in either the leukocyte count or the concentration of C-reactive protein should be re-evaluated after 12 hours. If laboratory values are increased, then diagnostic imaging is necessary. For patients with diffuse abdominal pain and for patients with signs of shock or respiratory insufficiency, a CT-scan is the imaging method of choice. If symptoms are located in the left upper quadrant, an upright chest radiograph or a plain abdominal film are recommended. If symptoms are located in the right upper quadrant, ultrasonography will be preferred. If the diagnosis is still uncertain, a CT-scan will be performed. A CT-scan is indicated for lower abdominal pain in women with increased inflammatory parameters and in men aged 50 years or older with increased inflammatory parameters. If the cause of the abdominal pain is still unclear following a CT-scan, then diagnostic laparoscopy may be considered for fertile women of childbearing age and for men aged less than 50 years with signs of appendicitis.     

Epiploic appendagitis: an underestimated self-limiting acute abdominal condition

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings in patients with epiploic appendagitis and to evaluate its natural course. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHOD: A review of the medical records was carried out for all patients who were diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis using ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT), during the period June 1988-October 2001, at the Haaglanden Medical Centre (Westeinde site), The Hague, the Netherlands. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 49 patients, 38 men and 11 women, with a median age of 41 years. The main symptom was focal abdominal pain, with a median diagnostic delay in the patients of 2 days, located in the left lower quadrant (n = 34), right lower quadrant (n = 8), right upper quadrant (n = 6) or left upper quadrant (n = 1) of the abdomen. No other complaints were present with the exception of nausea and vomiting in two patients. Leucocytosis was found in 21% of patients, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 26% of the patients, and signs of peritoneal irritation were found in 53% of the patients. Epiploic appendagitis was correctly included in the clinical differential diagnosis of 2 patients. All of the patients made a complete and uncomplicated recovery under conservative treatment; the majority were symptom-free within 9 days. CONCLUSION: Due to the increased use of diagnostic imaging in patients with acute abdominal symptoms, epiploic appendagitis is much more frequently diagnosed than before. Presenting symptoms of epiploic appendagitis are non-specific, leading to misdiagnosis in most cases. Epiploic appendagitis has a benign natural course and if patients are correctly diagnosed using ultrasonography and CT, unnecessary surgery and medical treatment may be avoided.     

Spontaneous splenic rupture as a complication of symptom-free infections mononucleosis

Splenic rupture is a rare complication of infectious mononucleosis. Although it occurs only in 0.1%-0.5% of cases, splenic rupture remains the most common fatal complication of the disease. Mononucleosis related spontaneous rupture of the spleen without any other characteristic symptoms of the disease is extremely unusual, and threatens with fatal outcome due to its rare and unexpected occurrence. The authors report the case of a 16-year-old boy who needed splenectomy following a spontaneous rupture of the spleen. Serological tests proved an acute Epstein-Barr virus infection in the background but without any signs or symptoms of infectious mononucleosis. The diagnosis and treatment of this infection related to spleen ruptures are also discussed.     

Including a 'no active intervention' arm in surgical trials is possible: evidence from the CLasP randomised trial

OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of including a 'no active intervention' arm (called 'conservative management') in a randomised controlled trial comparing treatments (including surgery) for men with lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic enlargement. METHODS: Outcomes 7.5 months after randomisation were acceptability of randomisation, overall acceptability of and satisfaction with conservative management, impact on quality of life, perceived need for further treatment and treatment failure (defined a priori). RESULTS: In total, 177 (out of 755) patients refused randomisation, including 31% who did not want surgery and 22% who wanted surgery. Most men randomised to conservative management were willing to undertake it as part of a trial but at the end of the trial they were divided between those who wanted to continue with it and those who expected surgery. At follow-up, 39% of conservative management patients requested surgery, and interference of symptoms with life and an unsuccessful outcome were more commonly reported in this arm. There were no appreciable differences between treatment groups in terms of treatment failures. CONCLUSIONS: Including a 'no active intervention' arm did not appear to have a detrimental effect on patient recruitment or the completion of this trial in the short-term; overall, conservative management was successfully completed by the majority of patients during the trial period, suggesting that researchers need not avoid including a no-intervention arm in surgical trials as long as they take care with its presentation.     

围产期耻骨联合分离的诊断与治疗

目的：研究围产期耻骨联合分离发生的特点、发病原因、早期诊断、治疗技术和预防要点。方法对2005年1月到2012年12月治疗的31例围产期耻骨联合分离患者的临床和随访资料进行回顾性分析。结果31例患者中2例手术治疗,29例保守治疗,均随访4～6个月,平均4．5个月。患者局部症状均好转或消失,耻骨联合处无压痛,骨盆挤压分离试验阴性,产后1．5个月时分离距离和局部疼痛程度都恢复至正常水平,与治疗前相比具有显著性差异（ t值分别为1．975、2．376,均P＜0．05）。结论产前发生耻骨联合分离且胎儿较大者应首选剖宫产,以避免加重耻骨联合分离。产后型可根据临床表现及拍片检查早期诊断,积极保守治疗可获得满意效果,对于耻骨联合分离合并骶髂韧带损伤的不稳定性重度患者内固定治疗可及早进行。     

延迟性脾破裂12例诊治分析

目的:探讨延迟性脾破裂的发病机制及诊治方法.方法:对 2000～ 2004年 5月收治的 12例延迟性脾破裂进行回顾 性分析.结果: 12例均有左侧胸、腹部外伤史,且伤后均有左上腹轻微胀痛或轻度压痛,入院时均有突然发生左上腹 剧痛. 8例(66.7%)伤后两次腹痛间有明显缓解期, 10例(83.3%)延迟性脾破裂发生于伤后 2周内, 4例于伤后腹 内压增加时突发左上腹剧痛;术中发现脾包膜下血肿破裂 7例(58.3%);行脾切除 10例(83.3%).脾部分切除及脾 修补各一例.全组无死亡.结论:延迟性脾破裂多发生于左侧胸、腹部外伤后 2周内,多伴有左上腹的胀痛和左上腹 的压痛,腹痛常有中间缓解期,腹压增加时可突发上腹部剧烈疼痛,它以脾包膜下血肿破裂最为多见,早期诊断困难, 诊断的关键是要有高度的警惕性.治疗以脾切除为主.     

Hyperextension trauma of the finger

In 2 patients, a man aged 30 and a woman aged 31, a hyperextension trauma of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right index finger and the left middle finger respectively was diagnosed. The man underwent surgery for volar plate rupture in the acute phase. The woman presented 7 weeks after the trauma with a chronic flexion contracture; she had an avulsion fracture of the second phalanx and was treated conservatively with splints and exercise therapy. The hyperextension trauma of the proximal interphalangeal joint of a finger is one of the most frequently occurring hand traumas. In the more severe cases, there can be substantial damage to the structures ofthe joint capsule, such as a volar plate rupture. In the acute phase, a ruptured volar plate results in pain and dorsal dislocation. In the long term however, two significant late complications can arise: the chronic post-traumatic hyperextension deformity and the flexion contracture. These complications are difficult to treat, but can be prevented by adequate initial treatment. The diagnosis of volar plate rupture is essential to this and can be formulated after a carefully conducted history taking and physical examination usually with simple radiological studies ofthe affected digit. Treatment of a volar plate rupture can be either conservative or surgical and is directed at regaining finger function and preventing complications. For the treatment to be successful, intensive physiotherapy during follow-up is essential.     

Painful rib syndrome: a cause of pain complaints that often goes unnoticed

Three patients, 2 women aged 30 and 64 respectively and one man aged 75, with upper abdominal pain (right in the youngest patient and left in the other 2 patients), experienced tenderness over the lowermost ribs, especially at the end of the lowest floating rib. The diagnosis 'painful rib syndrome' was established once other possible conditions had been excluded. Following an explanation of the condition and some advice about posture, the symptoms disappeared. Painful rib syndrome can be a cause of chronic debilitating pain located in the left or right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The pain is movement and posture dependent. The syndrome is often not recognised. No data on the prevalence are available.     

经皮经肝胆囊穿刺引流术治疗急性化脓性胆囊炎的临床观察

目的观察PTGBD治疗急性化脓性胆囊炎的临床效果。方法黑龙江省医院附属消化病医院2008年1月—2011年10月应用PTGBD治疗急性化脓性胆囊炎29例,总结分析手术方法及经验。结果 29例患者均经一次穿刺置管成功。术后29例患者的临床症状如右上腹胀痛发热等均得以缓解,无感染、出血、胆漏等其他并发症发生,少部分患者术后有一过性的疼痛、恶心、上腹部不适,经对症治疗后缓解。20例患者在住院期间拔管,拔管时症状体征完全消失。平均住院11.2(s=3.2,16～30)d。结论 PTGBD治疗急性化脓性胆囊炎效果显着,治疗方法简单,安全可行,值得推广和应用。     

卵巢破裂40例临床分析

目的探讨卵巢破裂的原因、临床特征及治疗方法。方法回顾性分析40例卵巢破裂患者的临床资料。结果40例卵巢破裂患者的平均发病年龄为27．5岁,17例发生在月经中期,23例发生在月经前4～7d,28例（70％）有紧张性活动等发病诱因;所有患者均以下腹痛为主要就诊原因;8例（20％）出现失血性休克;6例术前误诊;保守治疗30例（75％）,治疗成功率100％。结论卵巢破裂多发生于卵巢功能旺盛的育龄妇女,紧张性活动常为其主要发病诱因,常误诊为异位妊娠,多数患者采取保守治疗可完全治愈。     

Successful conservative management in two patients with a tracheobronchial rupture

A 30-year-old woman with blunt chest trauma after falling from a horse appeared to have a haematothorax. Bronchoscopy showed a bronchial rupture of the posterior segment of the right upper lobe. As her condition was stable, a policy of expectant management was instigated. She recovered without problems. A 73-year-old woman with an ileus of the small intestine had, after several intubations, a tracheal rupture. Due to her poor condition a policy of conservative management was followed. The rupture healed in 2 months. The patient died due to her abdominal problems. Tracheo-bronchial ruptures are rare, mostly caused by blunt chest trauma or iatrogenic due to complicated intubations. Acute therapy involves the optimalization of ventilation. In certain selected cases following a policy of expectant management may be successful.     

自发性食管破裂的诊断和及时治疗

目的探讨自发性食管破裂的诊断方法和及时治疗的理念，以提高临床诊疗水平。方法回顾性分析1999年2月至2011年6月本科收治的16例食管自发性破裂的相关临床资料及手术方式。其中中段食管破裂4例，下段食管破裂12例。16例均为1处破口，破裂长度为1．5～5（2．6±1．1）cm，破入左胸11例，右胸2例，无胸腔破入3例，主要症状为胸腹剧烈疼痛、发热、呼吸困难及休克等，查体见液气胸10例，皮下气肿5例。结果全组24h内修补11例，24h后修补5例，均采用可吸收线间断缝合食管，大网膜包埋固定，改良抗返流手术。全组均顺利度过围手术期，无死亡病例。随访无食管狭窄，返流2例，采用保守治疗均明显缓解。结论早期诊断和确诊后及时剖胸探查手术、闭合破裂口重建消化道并大网膜包盖固定、确保消化道连续性是治疗自发食管破裂的关键。     

Free air below the diaphragm: not always an acute surgical problem

In three patients, two males aged 66 and 67 years with among other disorders chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and one woman aged 24 years with a history of intestinal surgery and current abdominal pain, the chest X-ray showed free air below the diaphragm. The two males had no major abdominal symptoms, but they did have pneumonia. All were treated conservatively. Of the males, one died from pneumonia, the other recovered. The woman presented recurrent symptoms and was subjected to extensive diagnostic examinations. This revealed a marked sigmoid perforation which was repaired, after which the symptoms did not recur. Pneumoperitoneum indicates rupture or perforation of a hollow viscus in up to 90%. In these cases, prompt surgical management is the therapy of choice. In at least 10% free air under the diaphragm is due to causes which do not require surgical treatment. These causes can be divided into intra-abdominal, intrathoracic, gynaecological and iatrogenic diseases. Conservative management should only be considered if followed by frequent and intensive evaluation of the patient's condition.     

Athletes with exercise-related pain at the medial side of the lower leg

Two patients were diagnosed with exercise-related pain at the medial side of the lower leg. The first patient, an 18-year-old woman who had expanded her athletic activities extensively, had developed pain at the inner side of the distal third portion of the left lower leg. She showed over-pronation of the ankle during running. A 3-phase bone scintigram revealed diffuse uptake of the tracer covering a large portion of the medial tibia margin. Based on this evidence, a diagnosis of periostalgia was made. She recovered after a period of relative calf massages and used insoles. The second patient was a 28-year-old male endurance runner who developed pain at the medial shin after intensifying his training regimen. The periods without pain during running became increasingly shorter, and the medial side of the lower leg became sore and tense. Intracompartmental pressure measurements indicated exercise-related posterior deep compartment syndrome of the calf. The patient recovered after fasciotomy. In athletes, exercise-related symptoms of the medial side of the lower leg can be usually attributed to the tibial periosteum or tendons of the deep calfmusculature, tibial stress reaction or fracture, or a compartment syndrome of the deep calf. Surgery is indicated for chronic compartment syndrome, but conservative therapy provides favourable outcomes in the other types of disorders. The optimal conservative therapeutic approach is unknown, but it is advisable to temporary reduce symptom-provoking athletic activity and modify any risk factors present. Ankle over-pronation during running is considered a very relevant intrinsic risk factor.     

Endobronchial hamartoma; a benign mesenchymal tumor

In this review the histological and clinical features of 12 endobronchial hamartomas seen between 1960 and 1987 are presented. All patients were men; the mean age was 54.0 years. Nine patients presented with pulmonary symptoms, most frequently cough. All lobes were affected, with a slight preponderance in the left upper lobe. Surgical treatment was given to 10 patients. In the other 2 cases bronchoscopic resection was preferable. There were no complications due to therapy. No recurrences were noted. This lesion should be regarded as a true neoplasm, in view of the clinical and histopathological characteristics.     

Low back pain in family practice: a case control study.

Eighty-three women between the ages of 25 and 44 years who presented with low back pain during a one-year period were compared with a control group of women matched by age and socioeconomic status. The patients with low back pain presented a larger number of problems to their family physicians during the course of the year, but there were no significant differences noted in the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression during their visits, or in the number of psychological problems presented by the two groups, or in the number of psychoactive medications received for problems other than low back pain. The results suggest that low back pain patients may represent a group who more readily present their symptoms to physicians but that they are no more likely to have psychological problems than similar patients who do not have low back pain.     

Spontaneous rupture of the bladder

A spontaneous bladder rupture was diagnosed using ultrasound and CT scan in 3 patients, 1 woman aged 62 and 2 men aged 77 and 42, presenting with abdominal pain, anuria and prior problems with urination. The younger man had suffered from this previously; he was now suffering from bacterial peritonitis due to infected urine. All 3 patients recovered after treatment with a transurethral catheter and antibiotics. A transurethral resection was performed on the benign enlarged prostate of the older man. The combination of non-specific symptoms, the absence of trauma history and its very rare occurrence mean that initially a spontaneous bladder rupture may not be suspected. However, an untreated bladder rupture can lead to life-threatening situations. Screening the abdomen with ultrasound, an ultrasound-guided puncture and CT scan may yield results that suggest a bladder rupture. In most cases, conservative treatment with a transurethral catheter will be sufficient. Sometimes surgical repair of a bladder rupture may be necessary.     

Predictive validity of symptoms and signs in the neck and shoulders

A standardized examination protocol was developed for the assessment of neck and shoulder disorders in primary health care. We investigated to what extent the symptoms and signs can predict sick leave due to neck and shoulder disorders. Our study involved 474 patients seeking medical advice from an occupational health service. Most of the 20 symptoms and 15 signs of the protocol were associated with the number of sick leave days within the 60-day postexamination period, but only three symptoms (short duration, high pain intensity, and continuous pain) and two signs (pain in the upper limb during rotation of head and pain in the shoulder during abduction of arm) retained their significance in a multivariate model. No unambiguous subset of protocol items can be suggested for general use. The predictive validity should be tested in other populations and settings before a conclusion is drawn about the external validity of the results.