1/113. Radicular pain can be a symptom of elevated intracranial pressure.We report two patients with leptomeningeal metastatic disease, one from breast cancer and the other from a spinal cord glioma, who developed episodic elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), each episode accompanied by the gradual onset of severe spine and radicular pain. Symptoms of pain promptly and completely resolved with opening of the on-off valve of each patient's ventriculoperitoneal shunt. It is theorized that the patients' radicular pain was caused by nerve root ischemia secondary to elevated ICP.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/113. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension.PURPOSE: To describe a patient with classic presentation of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and subsequent improvement with targeted epidural blood patch. methods: Report of one case and review of the literature. RESULTS: Examination of cerebrospinal fluid after lumbar puncture disclosed a reduced opening pressure, an increased level of protein, and lymphocytic pleocytosis. magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with gadolinium showed diffuse enhancement of the pachymeninges, no evidence of leptomeningeal enhancement, and chronic subdural fluid collection. Radionuclide cisternography demonstrated reduced activity over the cerebral convexities, early accumulation of radiotracer in the urinary bladder, and direct evidence of leakage at the cervicothoracic junction (C7-T1). Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic features were consistent with the diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Therapy with a targeted epidural blood patch resulted in the rapid resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, we describe a classic case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension in a 63-year-old man with an initial presentation of postural headaches, blurred vision, pain in the left eye, diplopia on left gaze, and neck soreness.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.2keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/113. An unusual manifestation of diabetes mellitus.MEDICAL history: Type 2 diabetes mellitus for five years; unexplained 35-lb weight loss three years ago; Bell's palsy on right side many years ago. MEDICATIONS: glipizide, 10 mg/day. family history: Father died of leukemia at age 65; mother has kidney stones; no diabetes or neuromuscular disease. SOCIAL history: insurance salesman; heterosexual, promiscuous, uses condoms; smokes (25 pack years); does not drink. physical examination: Well-nourished, well developed, not in acute distress; had difficulty rising from a sitting position because of right lower extremity weakness. blood pressure, 154/74; pulse, 88; temperature, 36.6 degrees C; respiratory rate, 16. head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat: normal. neck: normal. Heart: S4. Lungs: clear. abdomen: mildly obese. extremities: no cyanosis, clubbing, or edema; atrophy and weakness of right thigh and both calves; wide-based gait; able to walk on toes but not heels. Neurologic responses: cranial nerves intact; deep tendon reflexes, 1 symmetrically; plantar reflexes, flexor bilaterally. skin: macular rash in sun-exposed areas. LABORATORY FINDINGS: Hemoglobin, 13.2 gm/dL; mean corpuscular volume, 80 micron 3; white blood cell count, 7,200/mm3 (normal differential); platelet count, 137,000/mm3. serum: electrolytes, normal; blood urea nitrogen, 18 mg/dL; creatinine, 0.8 mg/dL; glucose, 308 mg/dL; total protein, albumin, liver enzymes, and creatine kinase, normal. urine: 1 glucose. Venereal disease test: nonreactive; hiv test: negative. DIFFERENTIAL diagnosis: dermatomyositis; heavy-metal poisoning; diabetic amyotrophy. HOSPITAL COURSE: The patient was given 50 mg/day of oral amitriptyline to alleviate the painful paresthesias and was switched to 20 U/day of subcutaneously injected neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin to normalize the blood glucose level. Histologic studies of skin and muscle showed sun damage and neuropathic changes, respectively. There was no evidence of vasculitis. Screening for heavy-metal toxins produced negative results.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.2keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/113. Distensible venous malformations of the orbit: clinical and hemodynamic features and a new technique of management.OBJECTIVE: To investigate distensible venous malformations of the orbit (DVMO) as part of a spectrum of orbital vascular malformations, including some that involved periorbital skin, extraorbital sites (central nervous system or nasal sinuses), or combinations of these. The authors also investigated the effectiveness of a new technique of management for selected cases. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients had distensible venous anomalies, of which four were combined distensible venous-lymphatic vascular malformations. Distensible lesions were defined as those showing clinical or radiographic expansion with valsalva maneuver or when the head was placed in a dependent position. These lesions were then classified as superficial (anterior to the equator of the globe), deep (posterior to the globe's equator), combined (deep and superficial), or complex (with intracranial or major extraorbital involvement). INTERVENTION: Surgery was performed on 15 patients (50%), mainly for pain or for cosmetic indications. Six patients underwent this new technique, which involved intraoperative direct venography with control of outflow via pressure at the superior or inferior orbital fissure. The venous malformation was then embolized (by use of cyanoacrylate glue) and excised. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 28.2 years (range, 8 months to 75 years). Sixty-six percent of cases involved the left orbit. Superior and medial orbital involvement was most common. Three cases (10%) were classified as superficial, and 13 (43%) as deep. Six patients (20%) had combined superficial and deep components. Eight (27%) had major extraorbital involvement (4 intracranial, 2 facial, and 2 paranasal sinus). Direct venography demonstrated complex multichannel anomalies draining to various sites, including the face and pterygopalatine fossa, without necessarily having a direct connection to the major orbital venous circulation. CONCLUSIONS: Distensible venous malformations of the orbit are part of a spectrum of developmental venous malformations that may be localized to the orbit or involve it as part of a more extensive lesion. The authors describe their clinical and radiologic features and report a new technique of management for selected cases. This method of vascular isolation and embolization of lesions may greatly facilitate excision.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.2keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/113. Nonoperative and operative intervention for hallux rigidus.STUDY DESIGN: Case study of the management of an individual with hallux rigidus deformity. OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcome of nonoperative and operative treatment, including kinematic and kinetic changes following cheilectomy surgery, for an individual with hallux rigidus deformity. BACKGROUND: hallux rigidus is a common disorder of the first metatarsophalangeal joint characterized by progressive limitation of hallux dorsiflexion, prominent dorsal osteophyte formation, and pain. Surgery may be considered when nonoperative management strategies have proven unsuccessful. Kinematic and plantar pressure changes during dynamic activities have not been previously described following cheilectomy surgery for hallux rigidus deformity. methods AND MEASURES: The patient was a 54-year-old man who sustained a traumatic injury to the great toe. Conservative treatment included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, custom insole fabrication, and footwear outersole modification. Because of continued pain, loss of motion, and restrictions in daily activities, the patient elected to have surgery, and a cheilectomy procedure was done. Presurgical and postsurgical kinematic data of first metatarsophalangeal joint motion were collected using an electromagnetic tracking device during clinical motion tests and walking. Peak plantar pressures were assessed during gait. The patient was evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months, and again at 18 months following surgery. RESULTS: The outcome of surgery proved favorable, both subjectively and objectively. Peak dorsiflexion increased significantly (a minimum of 20 degrees) for all clinical tests and walking trials at the first metatarsophalangeal joint when compared with preoperative measurements. Peak plantar pressures also increased over the medial forefoot (68%) and hallux (247%) between preoperative testing and follow-up, indicating increased loading to this region of the foot. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictions in motion and daily activities and persistent pain may warrant surgical intervention for individuals with hallux rigidus deformity. A successful outcome, as measured by the patient's self-reported pain, return to recreational activities, and kinematic and plantar pressure changes at the follow-up examination, was demonstrated in this case study.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.8keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/113. upper extremity pain of 10 years duration caused by a glomus tumor.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Long-standing limb pain typically has a multifactorial etiology not amenable to causal therapy. We present a case of chronic progressing upper extremity pain caused by a glomus tumor; the excision was curative. methods: A 39-year-old woman presented with 10-year history of constant deep internal throbbing, aching pain localized to the radial aspect of the left index finger and additional intermittent shooting pains radiating up the arm toward the shoulder. Pain was increased after minor local trauma, following cold exposure, and for unknown reasons. A blotchy, bluish skin discoloration could appear on the radial aspect of the index finger during severe pain. Nonsteroidal antinflammatory drugs, narcotics, amitriptyline, local heat, bracing, and a sympathetic nerve block had all been ineffective. The physical examination was characterized by exquisite pressure tenderness over the radial aspect of the left index finger, most pronounced just distal to the distal interphalengeal joint. RESULTS: Inflation of a left arm blood pressure cuff to above systolic pressures abolished pain. A glomus tumor was suspected and confirmed by histologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: Glomus tumors are rare, benign neoplasms (1 to 5% of all hand tumors), developing from neuromyoarterial glomus bodies. They usually present with pain and may mimic other painful conditions, delaying the average time until diagnosis for up to 10 years. The classic diagnostic triad consists of local pain, pressure tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. Abolition of pain following inflation of a blood pressure cuff to above systolic levels (ischemia test) is highly diagnostic. We suggest routine use of this test in cases of upper limb pain of unclear etiology.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/113. Prevention of intraocular pressure elevations during hemodialysis.intraocular pressure (IOP) may rise during hemodialysis sessions in predisposed patients because of a rapid drop in osmolality at the blood compartment. A patient with diabetes had painful ocular episodes during hemodialysis that were associated with an IOP increase. We modified the dialysis parameters to prevent a rapid decrease in osmolality by creating conductivity and ultrafiltration profiles and adding a colloid solution at the beginning of the procedure. After instituting these changes, the patient became asymptomatic and did not have variations in IOP during the dialysis sessions.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/113. Comparison of measures of physiologic stress during treadmill exercise in a patient with 20% lower extremity burn injuries and healthy matched and nonmatched individuals.patients with burn injuries are referred for rehabilitation within days after the injuries to encourage early ambulation and functional training. Many of these patients are hypermetabolic at rest. Metabolic demands of activity are added to the already hypermetabolic state and elevate total energy requirements and some physiologic measures. Reports on the physiologic stress imposed by therapeutic activities for patients with burn injuries are limited to low levels of metabolic demand (< or =2 metabolic equivalents [METS]). The degree of stress imposed by functional activities such as ambulation (3 METS) and stair climbing (5 METS) is not known for adults with burn injuries. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical measures of myocardial and physiologic stress in a patient with 20% lower extremity total body surface area burns during an exercise challenge equivalent to stair climbing. Physiologic measures were assessed before and during a treadmill activity (5 METS) for a 40-year-old obese man 3 weeks after he had lower extremity burn injuries. These measures were compared with mean values for 62 healthy counterparts and 6 healthy subjects matched for age, gender, and fitness level. heart rate, systolic blood pressure, rate pressure product, and the rating of perceived exertion for the patient with burn injuries were higher at baseline and during exercise than the mean values for the 62 healthy individuals and the 6 matched subjects. The steady state exercise values for heart rate, systolic blood pressure, rate pressure product, and rating of perceived exertion at 6 minutes were 189 beats per minute, 190 mm Hg, 3591, and 17, respectively, for the patient with burn injuries and were 111.3 beats per minute, 149 mm Hg, 1680, and 11.7, respectively, for the 6 matched subjects. ventilation during exercise also increased for the patient with burn injuries more than for the matched subjects (3/4 vs 1/4). Pain experienced by the patient with burn injuries decreased with activity (9.8 vs 7.3 on a 15-cm scale). Treadmill walking produced near maximal responses for most physiologic measures for this patient who was hypermetabolic at rest. We provided normative data to assist therapists who work with patients with similar burn injuries.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.8keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/113. Care study: providing effective care in palliative nursing.Currently, nurses are under great pressure to demonstrate effective, evidence-based patient care. In this article a single case study will be used to demonstrate that care can be based on recent research within a palliative care setting to produce effective outcomes. research-based interventions, which were used to provide care for a patient who will be referred to as Maria, will be discussed and evaluated to illustrate the contribution that evidence-based practice made to her nursing care. Although it is a single case study and the findings cannot be generalized, it is suggested that this article can be used to demonstrate the need for accurate interpretation of assessment data, illustrate the use of research to support nursing interventions in pain management, constipation and skin pressure damage, and show that empirical evidence alone may not be a sufficient basis for care and that moral issues must be taken into account.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.4keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
10/113. paraplegia caused by painless acute aortic dissection.OBJECTIVES: Painless acute aortic dissection in which paraplegia is the only presenting sign is rare, with limited reported cases. CASE REPORT: The authors report a patient with painless acute aortic dissection who presented with sudden onset paraplegia. Ischemic diseases of the spinal cord were suspected as the cause. MRI revealed extensive acute aortic dissection with an intramural hematoma. The patient was treated conservatively by strictly controlling his blood pressure. The treatment was successful, although the motor function of the lower extremities could not be rescued. Although 3% to 5% of patients with acute aortic dissection present with paraplegia as a result of spinal cord infarction, most of these patients experience severe pain prior to presentation. CONCLUSION: Painless acute aortic dissection in which paraplegia is the only presenting sign is very rare. However, aortic diseases, including acute aortic dissection, should always be considered as a differential diagnosis of patients with sudden onset, painless paraplegia.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.2keywords = pressure (Clic here for more details about this article) |
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