ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Abdominal pregnancy is a special type of ectopic pregnancy, characterized by implantation of the embryo in the peritoneal cavity, with tubal, ovarian, and intraligamentary pregnancies excluded, accounting for approximately 1% of all cases. It was first reported in 1708 after an autopsy and since then numerous cases have been reported, with a current incidence of 1: 10 000 to 1: 30 000 pregnancies. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 27-year-old woman, resident of the city of Caxias do Sul, Brazil, with an extra-uterine pregnancy by ultrasound diagnosis at 25 weeks and 1 day of gestational age and a live fetus. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal gestation is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and is characterized as a life-threatening situation. Its biggest challenge is to make an early diagnosis, since most cases go unnoticed at the ultrasound performed in the first trimester, and when symptomatic, they do not present themselves in a specific way. When necessary, MRI has been shown to greatly elucidate such cases. Moreover, the therapeutic decision also presents some disparities in the literature. Although it is known that open surgery is best option, there are still many doubts regarding whether to perform placental extraction since its removal process can cause abundant bleeding, putting the patient at risk during the surgical procedure, in the same way that its maintenance and the use of drug treatment can also aggravate the patient's clinical picture.
Subject(s)
Pregnancy, Abdominal , Adult , Brazil , Delayed Diagnosis , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Live Birth , Placenta , Pregnancy , Pregnancy, Abdominal/diagnostic imaging , Pregnancy, Abdominal/surgery , SalpingectomyABSTRACT
Abstract Background Ludwig's angina (LA) is an infection of the submandibular space, first described by Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig in 1836. It represents an entity difficult to manage due to the rapid progression and difficulty in maintaining airway patency, a major challenge in medical practice, resulting in asphyxia and death in 8-10% of patients. Objective Describe a case of a patient with Ludwig's angina undergoing surgery, with emphasis on airway management, in addition to reviewing the articles published in the literature on this topic. Case report Male patient, 21 years, drug addict, admitted by the emergency department and diagnosed with LA. Difficult airway was identified during the anesthetic examination. In additional tests, significant deviation from the tracheal axis was seen. Undergoing bilateral thoracoscopic pleural drainage, we opted for airway management through tracheal intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and balanced general anesthesia was proposed. There were no complications during the surgical-anesthetic act. After the procedure, the patient remained intubated and mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit. Conclusions Airway management in patients with Ludwig's angina remains challenging. The choice of the safest technique should be based on clinical signs, technical conditions available, and the urgent need to preserve the patient's life.
Resumo Justificativa A angina de Ludwig (AL) constitui uma infecção do espaço submandibular, primeiramente descrita por Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig em 1836. Representa uma entidade de difícil manejo devido à rápida progressão e dificuldade na manutenção da via aérea pérvia, um importante desafio na prática médica, que culmina em asfixia e morte em 8-10% dos pacientes. Objetivo Descrever o caso clínico de um paciente com angina de Ludwig submetido a procedimento cirúrgico, com ênfase no manejo da via aérea, além de revisar os artigos disponíveis na literatura médica a respeito desse tema. Relato de caso Paciente masculino, 21 anos, drogadito, admitido pelo pronto socorro e diagnosticado com AL. Na propedêutica anestésica constatou-se via aérea difícil. Nos exames complementares foi possível observar importante desvio do eixo traqueal. Submetido à toracoscopia bilateral com drenagem pleural, optou-se pelo manejo da via aérea através de intubação nasotraqueal por fibrobroncoscopia e foi proposta anestesia geral balanceada. Não houve intercorrência durante o ato cirúrgico-anestésico. Após procedimento paciente permaneceu intubado e em ventilação mecânica na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Conclusões O manejo da via aérea nos pacientes com angina de Ludwig permanece desafiador. A escolha da técnica mais segura deve ser embasada no quadro clínico, nas condições técnicas disponíveis e na necessidade premente de preservação da vida do paciente.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Airway Management/methods , Anesthesia , Ludwig's AnginaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ludwig's angina (LA) is an infection of the submandibular space, first described by Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig in 1836. It represents an entity difficult to manage due to the rapid progression and difficulty in maintaining airway patency, a major challenge in medical practice, resulting in asphyxia and death in 8-10% of patients. OBJECTIVE: Describe a case of a patient with Ludwig's angina undergoing surgery, with emphasis on airway management, in addition to reviewing the articles published in the literature on this topic. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 21 years, drug addict, admitted by the emergency department and diagnosed with LA. Difficult airway was identified during the anesthetic examination. In additional tests, significant deviation from the tracheal axis was seen. Undergoing bilateral thoracoscopic pleural drainage, we opted for airway management through tracheal intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and balanced general anesthesia was proposed. There were no complications during the surgical-anesthetic act. After the procedure, the patient remained intubated and mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Airway management in patients with Ludwig's angina remains challenging. The choice of the safest technique should be based on clinical signs, technical conditions available, and the urgent need to preserve the patient's life.
