1/3. Reversible ischemic myelopathy during scoliosis surgery: a possible role for intravenous lidocaine.An unusual and previously unreported case of partially reversible ischemic myelopathy after limited unilateral segmental vessel ligation during scoliosis surgery is described. Intravenous lidocaine, used intraoperatively for its vasoactive properties, induced an immediate and meaningful recovery of neurologic function. The conceptual and pharmacologic basis for this intervention is discussed in view of this exceedingly rare complication of segmental vessel ligation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. Vertebral artery anomaly with atraumatic dissection causing thromboembolic ischemia: a case report.STUDY DESIGN: A case report is presented. OBJECTIVES: To illustrate a rare cause of atraumatic vertebral artery dissection resulting from anomalous entry of the vessel at the C3 transverse foramen induced by normal physiologic head and neck motion, and to review vertebral artery anatomy and mechanisms whereby it is vulnerable to pathologic compression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The vertebral artery usually enters the transverse foramen at C6. Rarely, the artery enters at C5 or C4. Only one prior case with entry at C3 has been reported. That patient experienced recurrent quadriplegia and locked-in syndrome caused by vertebral artery obstruction. A 27-year-old woman with a history of classic migraine experienced neurologic symptoms on three occasions related to physiologic neck and arm movements. Magnetic resonance angiogram was not diagnostic, but standard arteriography demonstrated anomalous vertebral artery entry into the C3 transverse foramen and focal dissection. methods: Pertinent literature and the patient's history, physical examination, and radiologic studies were reviewed. RESULTS: Standard cervico-cerebral arteriogram demonstrated focal dissection at C4 and thromboembolic complications in distal vertebral and basilar arteries. Initially, diagnosis by magnetic resonance angiogram was elusive. However, arteriography allowed prompt diagnosis followed by anticoagulation with resolution of neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: vertebral artery dissection without trauma is rare, but should be considered when neurologic symptoms accompany physiologic cervical movements. For cases in which vertebrobasilar thromboembolic ischemia is suspected, magnetic resonance angiogram may prove inadequate for demonstrating the causative vascular pathology. Therefore, standard cervico-cerebral arteriography should be performed.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. Epidural cooling for spinal cord protection during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (a case study).Aneurysms result from damage to artery walls as a result of underlying athrosclerotic and/or thromboembolic disorders. A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm involves vessel damage and wall weakening in the thoracic and abdominal segments of the aorta. Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is considered to be high risk due to the nature of the intervention that requires an extensive incision with clamping of the thoracic aorta above the renal arteries. Clamping of the aorta renders all areas distal to the clamp at high risk for ischemic trauma especially to the spinal cord where the risk of neurological deficits postoperatively is 7-16% (Cambria, et al., 1997; Davison, et al., 1997). Several adjunct interventions have been tried to reduce the risk of spinal cord injury associated with the ischemia of cross clamping. Epidural cooling has been successful as an adjunct in reducing the neurological deficits. A preoperative nursing assessment indicating the appropriate nursing diagnoses and nursing care required for this patient, allowed for individualization of the plan needed to include this new procedure and plan for best patient outcomes and practices.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |