ABSTRACT
Few cases of postoperative hypoglycaemia complicating the removal of a phaeochromocytoma have been reported in the literature. We reported one case of hypoglycaemia secondary to the removal of right phaeochromocytoma in a 30-year-old patient. Seven hours after the excision of the tumour, the patient developed a severe hypoglycaemia at 1.67 mmol x l(-1) revealed by seizures completely resolving in 24 h. The hypoglycaemia in this context resulted probably from the massive secretion of insulin by the beta cells of Langerhans islands due to the suppression of alpha-adrenergic inhibition. The prevention of this complication requires the repeated measurement of the capillary glycaemia in the postoperative period. An important supply of carbohydrate may be necessary to maintain a normoglycaemia.
Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/surgery , Hypoglycemia/etiology , Pheochromocytoma/surgery , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists/adverse effects , Adult , Female , Humans , Insulin/metabolism , Insulin Secretion , Seizures/etiologyABSTRACT
Muscle paralysis due to potassium depletion are unusual. We report the case of a patient who developed quadriplegia and language disorders due to potassium depletion, following large intestinal resection. Potassium supplementation was given intravenously at a rate of 0.25 mmol.kg-1.h-1 during the first 48 h. This allowed complete total and rapid recovery from the paralysis.
Subject(s)
Hypokalemia/physiopathology , Ileal Diseases/surgery , Intestinal Obstruction/surgery , Postoperative Complications , Potassium/therapeutic use , Quadriplegia/etiology , Electroencephalography , Female , Humans , Hypokalemia/diagnosis , Hypokalemia/therapy , Infusions, Intravenous , Middle Aged , Potassium/administration & dosageABSTRACT
In this study, a case of emphysematous pyelonephritis has been reported in a 70-year old diabetic male with a non-functional contralateral kidney. In spite of appropriate medical treatment and surgical drainage, the outcome was negative. The case in question concerned a rare form of the disease, i.e., emphysematous pyelonephritis, a severe and necrotizing infection which is characterized by the presence of intraparenchymal gas produced by anaerobic bacteria, and the rapid development of acute sepsis or septic shock. Medical treatment alone is seldom sufficient, and surgical intervention, in most instances consisting of radical nephrectomy rather than surgical drainage, is advocated due to the extent of the necrotic lesions.
Subject(s)
Emphysema/therapy , Pyelonephritis/therapy , Aged , Fatal Outcome , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
We report five cases of phaeochromocytoma in patients admitted for myocardial infarction, severe cardiac failure, with shock, stroke and ischaemic gangrene of a lower limb respectively. The pathophysiology of these events is discussed. Early surgery prevents visceral damage from massive release of catecholamines.
