Tracheal tumors are rare neoplasms that can present with symptoms mimicking more common respiratory conditions, such as asthma. We report a case of a 71-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with severe respiratory distress initially diagnosed as status asthmaticus. Despite aggressive conventional asthma therapy, the patient remained in respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Continue reading
Literature proves that hospital evacuation during a disaster has been a challenging operation. Every case is unique due to the dynamic nature of the disaster and the local /regional characteristics (infrastructure, human factors, and logistics). The present article reviews participation of emergency medical system Thessaloniki’s Department during a tertiary hospital evacuation due to a large-scale wildfire in Northern Greece. Continue reading
Spices have been used as both food flavouring and preservative agents for centuries. Among them, nutmeg is a commonly used spice. Misuse or abuse of nutmeg can have several toxic effects, due mainly to myristicin oil. We report a case of intentional nutmeg abuse in young man and review the relevant literature upon the subject. Continue reading
Recent advances in techniques such as iontophoresis represent a promising approach to pain management. Iontophoresis involves the use of low-voltage electrical currents to improve transdermal delivery of medications, including local anesthetics. Continue reading
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is referred to as unanticipated heart failure with no determinable cause between the last trimester of pregnancy and six months post-delivery. The perioperative management of pregnant women with heart failure is challenging. Continue reading
Pulmonary embolism is linked with a remarkable rate of mortality, particularly when it is associated with hemodynamic instability, right atrial thrombus and related right ventricular dysfunction. Intraoperative use of transesophageal echocardiography can lead to the diagnosis of massive thrombi, entrapped in patent foramen ovale. Continue reading
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is rarely encountered in the operating room. The clinical presentation is highly variable and creates unique challenges for the anesthesiologist. Case: We hereby present a successful anesthetic management of patient with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and related Addison’s disease and Brugada syndrome for an orthopedic surgery and review the available literature about the topic. Continue reading
Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by autoantibodies to coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) leading to potentially severe bleeding diathesis that carries a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It should be suspected in patients with unexplained prolonged aPTT, normal PT and acute abnormal bleedings without personal or familiar history of congenital bleeding disorders. Continue reading
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction function and causing muscle weakness that gets worse during the day and after physical activity. The most common medication prescribed for MG treatment is pyridostigmine. Continue reading
Depth of anesthesia is a dynamic balance between effect-site concentration of hypnotic and analgesic drugs, and intensity of surgical stimulation. The bispectral monitor is the best described monitor of the depth of hypnosis component of anesthesia. Continue reading
