1/4. Traumatic asphyxia complicated by unwitnessed cardiac arrest.We report a case of traumatic asphyxia complicated by unwitnessed cardiac arrest in which the patient has made a good, functional recovery. Traumatic asphyxia is an uncommon clinical syndrome usually occurring after chest compression. Associated physical findings include subconjunctival hemorrhage and purple-blue neck and face discoloration. These facial changes can mimic those seen with massive closed head injury; however, cerebral injury after traumatic asphyxia usually occurs due to cerebral hypoxia. When such features are observed, the diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia should be considered. Prompt treatment with attention to the reestablishment of oxygenation and perfusion may result in good outcomes.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = chest (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/4. Collapse, hoarseness of the voice and swelling and bruising of the neck: an unusual presentation of thoracic aortic dissection.A 66 year old woman presented to the accident and emergency department with history of collapse, hoarseness of the voice, and swelling and bruising of the neck. The diagnosis was not initially obvious because of the absence of chest pain. The findings on the radiograph of the soft tissue of the neck and chest radiograph suggested the need for computed tomography of the neck and chest. This confirmed the cervical haematoma and typical signs of aortic dissection. This unusual presentation of thoracic aortic dissection is discussed below.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 3keywords = chest (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/4. Extensive subcutaneous bleeding after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thrombolytic therapy.A patient with acute myocardial infarction, complicated by pre-hospital cardiac arrest, was treated with anistreplase, heparin and aspirin following resuscitation. She developed a large lower lip haematoma and extensive bruising over the chest wall ten hours after thrombolytic therapy. A blood transfusion was required.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = chest (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/4. Spontaneously acquired factor ix inhibitor in a nonhemophiliac child.A 2 1/2-year-old, previously healthy child developed progressive swelling of the left leg and a hematoma of the anterior chest wall associated with a falling hemoglobin concentration, as a result of a spontaneously acquired factor ix inhibitor. Successful management of her condition required a four-volume exchange transfusion and immunosuppressive therapy consisting of cyclophosphamide for four days and prednisone for one month. A brief review of the literature regarding the occurrence and nature of acquired coagulation factor inhibitors and the role of immunosuppressive therapy is also presented.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = chest (Clic here for more details about this article) |