A case of transient diplopia and ophthalmoplegia following dental anesthesia.

Dental anesthesia is one of the most frequently performed medical procedures. Although the frequency of ocular complications is extremely low, these reactions can be highly alarming and may bring up medicolegal issues when they do occur. Dentists and oral surgeons should be well-informed of these adverse reactions and should be aware that both ophthalmologists and emergency physicians might be required to care for these patients.

Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in Latin American migrants with newly diagnosed Chagas disease 2005-2009, Barcelona, Spain.

Following Latin American migration, Chagas disease has inevitably appeared in non-endemic countries in Europe and elsewhere. New policies are necessary to prevent transmission in those countries but the long, often undetected chronic period of the early stages of the disease also renders epidemiological studies important. The main objective of our study was to determine the presence of clinical, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic abnormalities in a population of Latin American migrants infected with Trypanosoma cruzi at the moment of diagnosis. We performed a hospital-based observational study of 100 adult patients with newly diagnosed Chagas infection between January 2005 and December 2009. Thirty-seven patients were classified within the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas cardiomyopathy early cardiac stages (A or B1) and 49 presented pathological findings (stage B2) according to the Panamerican Health Organization Classification. Overall, 49 patients showed ECG and/or echocardiographic alterations. The presence of ECG and ecocardiographic alterations were significantly associated (p=0.038). The most frequent ECG and echocardiographic findings were right bundle branch block (12 cases) and impaired left ventricular wall relaxation (24 cases), respectively. In conclusion, ECG and echocardiographic alterations coherent with Chagas cardiomyopathy were found in a large proportion of newly diagnosed Latin American migrants infected with T. cruzi. In the mid-term, Chagas disease might become an important cause of chronic cadiomyopathy in our attendance area.

Kinetic assay for the determination of the oxidative stress biomarker, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the human blood plasma.

UNLABELLED: A number of human diseases and pathological conditions were found to be associated with increased oxidative stress. In the literature several techniques are available for the assessment of oxidative stress, but most of them are not applicable for a routine medical laboratory due to the complex methodology and/or financial reasons. We report here on a simple, inexpensive, kinetic assay for the determination of the oxidative stress biomarker, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the human blood plasma. METHODS: This study involved 70 patients (47M/23F; mean age: 64.6 y; range: 16-85) admitted to our Department with a wide range of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases. Three critically ill patients were assigned for monitoring purposes. Plasma AOPP were simultaneously determined using an end-point assay as reference method and by a kinetic method developed in our laboratory. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was measured according to the Clauss method. RESULTS: There was a highly significant correlation (r2 = 0.588; p < 0.0001) between AOPP concentration (reference method) and AOPP reactivity (kinetic method). Both AOPP concentration and AOPP reactivity also significantly correlated with plasma fibrinogen concentration (r2 = 0.780; p < 0.0001; r2 = 0.564; p < 0.0001). The three representative cases presented appear to support the relevance of our novel method in the monitoring of critically ill patients. CONCLUSIONS: This simple and inexpensive kinetic assay can be widely used in any routine laboratory interested in oxidative stress research. It is especially recommended for monitoring critically ill or other patients.

Manual lymph drainage efficiently reduces postoperative facial swelling and discomfort after removal of impacted third molars.

The removal of wisdom teeth is often associated with severe postoperative edema and pain, and operation on the third molar can cause local inflammation that impairs lymph transport. The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of manual lymph drainage (MLD) in reducing swelling following bilateral wisdom tooth removal. Ten consecutive patients with bilateral impacted wisdom teeth that required surgical removal were enrolled in the study. Each patient was postoperatively treated with MLD (after Vodder's method) on one side of the neck region with the untreated contralateral side as a control. Swelling was evaluated using a tape-measure placed in contact with the skin. The six landmarks of measurement included tragus-lip junction, tragus-pogonion, mandibular angle-external corner of eye, mandibular angle-ala nasi, mandibular angle-lip junction, and mandibular angle-median point of chin. Subjective assessment of MLD was conducted with self-evaluation using a visual analogue bar scale (VAS, range 0-100 mm). Of the 6 linear measurements, 4 lines (2, 4, 5, 6) showed a significant reduction of swelling on the side of MLD compared to the untreated side. Mean score of VAS of pretreatment condition was 35.5 +/- 20.60 mm that decreased to 22 +/- 19.32 mm measured after MLD (p=0.0295). This initial study demonstrates that MLD may promote an improvement of lymph circulation and work in an adjunctive role for reduction of postoperative swelling and pain following removal of impacted third molars.

Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibition reduces mesenteric injury after cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of PARS inhibition on intestinal injury in a canine model of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Twelve dogs underwent 90 minutes of hypothermic CPB. 6 dogs received 5 mg/kg PJ34, a selective PARP inhibitor during CPB, 6 vehicle-treated animals served as controls. Mesenteric blood flow (MBF) and mesenteric vascular resistance (MVR) were measured before and 60 minutes after weaning from CPB. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine (ACH) and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation to sodium-nitroprusside (SNP) were expressed as percent change of MVR. In addition, mesenteric creatine kinase (CK) and lactate release were determined. RESULTS: Baseline hemodynamics, MBF, response to ACH (- 41 +/- 3 vs. - 55 +/- 6 %) and SNP (- 60 +/- 2 vs. - 56 +/- 4 %) did not differ significantly between the groups. The response to ACH decreased significantly in the control group while it remained unchanged in the PJ34 group (- 29 +/- 5 vs. - 46 +/- 9 %, p < 0.05). The response to SNP did not change. Mesenteric CK release (325 +/- 99 vs. 16 +/- 10 U/l, p < 0.05) and lactate production (0.96 +/- 0.17 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.2 mmol/l, p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the PJ34 group. CONCLUSION: PARP inhibition prevents CPB-induced mesenteric endothelial dysfunction and tissue damage.

Donor site angiography before mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap.

The use of fibular free flaps has become established as a reliable and popular method for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects. The role of routine preoperative angiography remains controversial. Sixty four digital subtraction angiograms were studied in a series of 39 consecutive patients clinically judged to be satisfactory candidates for fibula free transfer. Angiographic findings revealed vascular anomalies in 10 extremities (15.6%). Regarding the high potential for significant donor site morbidity authors consider vascular imaging essential part of preoperative evaluation.

[Donor site digital subtraction angiography before mandible reconstruction with free fibula transplantation]. / Az alsó végtag digitális szubtrakciós angiográfiája a mandibula fibulalebennyel történó rekonstrukciója elótt.

The use of fibula free flap has become established as a reliable and popular method for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects. Vascular anomalies of the donor site may compromise the blood supply of the flap, may jeopardize perfusion of the foot or cause technical difficulties during the procedure. Clinical examination of the circulation in the lower extremities may have relatively normal results. Preoperative vascular imaging detects aberrant cases and thus may contraindicate the use of fibula free flap or may alter the surgical plan. Authors performed 64 preoperative lower-limb digital subtraction angiographies (DSA) in a series of 39 consecutive patients clinically judged to be satisfactory candidates for free fibula transfer. DSA detected vascular anomalies in 10 extremities (15.6%). Regarding the high potential for significant donor site morbidity authors consider vascular imaging essential part of preoperative evaluation.

Endothelin-A-receptor antagonist LU 135.252 inhibits the formation of ventricular arrhythmias caused by intrapericardial infusion of endothelin-1.

Intrapericardial endothelin-1 (ET-1) infusion causes dose-dependent severe ventricular arrhythmias. We examined the effects of the endothelin-A- (ETA) receptor antagonist LU 135.252 (LU) on ET-1-induced arrhythmias on six open-chest mongrel dogs. Ten minutes after an intravenous bolus of LU (5 mg/kg), ET- 1 (33 pmol/kg/min) was given into the pericardial space for 30 min (LU group). Six dogs received ET-1 infusion without LU treatment (control group). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), cardiac output, electrocardiograph (ECG), right ventricular endocardial and epicardial (RVEND, RVEP), and left ventricular endocardial and epicardial (LVEND, LVEP) monophasic action potential durations (MAPDs) were recorded. No significant changes were observed in MAP and cardiac output. MAPD90s did not change significantly in the LU group (basic vs ET 20min: RVEP, 186 +/-7 vs 190 +/- 7; LVEP, 189 +/- 8 vs 201 +/- 11; RVEND, 191 +/- 10 vs 192 +/- 9; LVEND, 199 +/- 11 vs 203 +/- 11 ms), while significant MAPD90 prolongation was found in all investigated regions of the control group (ET start vs ET 20 min: LVEP, 174 +/- 3 vs 208 +/- 10*; RVEND, 206 +/- 9 vs 241 +/- 12* ms, *p < 0.05). No early after depolarization (EAD) was observed in the LU group, while EADs occurred in three controls. In the LU group, we have not found any significant arrhythmias except nonsustained ventricular tachycardias (nsVTs) in one animal. In the control group incessant nsVTs were observed in six, sustained VTs (sVTs) in four and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in two instances. Significant ST-elevation was observed in all animals in the LU and control groups (LU: 6.7 +/- 2.1 mV; control: 10.1 +/- 2.0 mV, p = NS). In conclusion, the arrhythmogenic action and the main electrophysiological effects of pericardial ET-1 infusion, MAPD prolongation and EAD formation, are inhibited by LU. However, LU could not prevent the ischemic changes resulting from ET-1 infusion.

Six-month outcome in unstable angina patients without previous myocardial infarction according to the use of tertiary cardiologic resources. RESCATE Investigators. Recursos Empleados en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo y Tiempos de Espera.

OBJECTIVES: The study assessed whether varying accessibility of patients with unstable angina (UA) to coronary angiography and revascularization determined differing usages and outcomes. BACKGROUND: The appropriate use rate of coronary angiography and revascularization procedures in UA remains to be established. METHODS: A total of 791 consecutive patients with UA without previous acute myocardial infarction (AMI) admitted to four reference teaching hospitals (one with tertiary facilities) were followed for six months. End points were six-month mortality and readmission for AMI, UA, heart failure, or severe ventricular arrhythmias. RESULTS: Patients admitted to the tertiary hospital were 3.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.32 to 4.62) times more likely to undergo coronary angiography after adjustment for comorbidity and severity than were those admitted to nontertiary facilities (overall six-month use rates 70.1% and 48.3%, respectively). Revascularization procedures were performed in 36.2% of patients in the tertiary hospital and 24.6% in the others (p = 0.0007); adjusted relative risk (RR) 2.37 (95% CI 1.55 to 3.63). Median delay for urgent coronary angiography was shorter in the tertiary hospital (24 h vs. 4 days, p < 0.0002). Six-month mortality and readmission rates were similar in tertiary and nontertiary hospitals: 3.9% versus 5.3% and 16.9% versus 21.2%, respectively. Adjusted RR of death or readmission for the nontertiary hospitals was 1.23 (95% CI 0.57 to 2.67). CONCLUSIONS: The use of coronary angiography and revascularization procedures in UA patients with no previous AMI is higher in tertiary than in nontertiary hospitals, but the more selective use of these procedures in nontertiary centers does not imply worse outcome.

Usefulness of hospital admission risk stratification for predicting nonfatal acute myocardial infarction or death six months later in unstable angina pectoris. RESCATE Study Group. Resources Used in Acute Coronary Syndromes and Delays in Treatment.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical course of unstable angina and the prognostic value of clinical and electrocardiographic variables measured during admission in a prospective, multicenter cohort study with 6-month follow-up. The population corresponds to 4 general teaching hospitals in Catalonia, Spain. The clinical course was analyzed in 839 consecutive patients aged up to 80 years with primary unstable angina, without myocardial infarction or previous coronary bypass. The main outcome measures were cardiac mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction. Patients involved in the present analysis belonged to the Resources Used in Acute Coronary Syndromes and Delays in Treatment (RESCATE) study. Six-month overall mortality, cardiac mortality, and nonfatal myocardial infarction rates were 4.6%, 4.1%, and 3.9%, respectively. Six-month cardiac mortality or myocardial infarction rate did not differ among clinical forms of presentation. Peripheral artery disease (RR 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.88 to 6.50, p = 0.0001), ST-T-wave electrocardiographic changes on admission (RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.13 to 4.36, p = 0.0203), and age >65 years (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.91, p = 0.0356) independently predicted 6-month cardiac mortality or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Their positive predictive values were 21%, 10%, and 11%, respectively, whereas their negative predictive value was > or = 93% in all cases. Prevalences were 9%, 70%, and 41%, respectively. In this prospective study, patients with unstable angina without prior myocardial infarction have a relatively low, although not negligible, 6-month severe complication rate. Stratification risk can easily be established with clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics measured during admission. Their absence almost rules out future adverse events, while their presence does not necessarily imply bad prognosis.

Mortality differences between men and women following first myocardial infarction. RESCATE Investigators. Recursos Empleados en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo y Tiempo de Espera.

CONTEXT: Mortality after acute myocardial infarction is worse in women than in men, even after adjustment for comorbidity and age dissimilarities between sexes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of sex on survival after acute myocardial infarction. DESIGN: Inception cohort obtained in a prospective registry of patients with acute myocardial infarction from 1992 through 1994. SETTING: Four teaching hospitals in northeastern Spain. PATIENTS: All consecutive patients aged 80 years or younger with first acute myocardial infarction. A total of 331 women and 1129 men were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Survival at 28 days and mortality or readmission at 6 months. RESULTS: Women were older (mean, 68.6 vs 60.1 years), presented more often with diabetes (52.9% vs 23.3%), hypertension (63.9% vs 42.3%), or previous angina (44.6% vs 37.4%), and developed more severe myocardial infarctions than men (acute pulmonary edema or cardiogenic shock occurred in 24.8% of women and 10.5% of men) (all P<.02). Men were more likely than women to receive thrombolytic therapy (41.3% vs 23.9%; P<.001), but rates of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and coronary artery bypass graft surgery at 28 days were similar among men and women. The 28-day mortality rate was significantly higher among women (18.5% for women, 8.3% for men; P<.001). Revascularization procedures at 6 months were performed in a similar proportion of women and men. However, women had higher 6-month mortality rates (25.8% in women, 10.8% in men; P<.001) and readmission rates (23.3% for women, 12.2% for men; P<.001). After adjustment, women had greater risk of death than men at 28 days (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.65) and at 6 months (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.18-2.52). CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, women experienced more lethal and severe first acute myocardial infarction than men, regardless of comorbidity, age, or previous angina.

Six-month outcome in patients with myocardial infarction initially admitted to tertiary and nontertiary hospitals. RESCATE Investigators. Recursos Empleados en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo y Tiempos de Espera.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether the degree of accessibility to coronary angiography and revascularization results in differing usages or outcomes, or both, in the setting of a high coverage national health system. BACKGROUND: The selective use of coronary angiography and revascularization procedures in the management of acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains controversial. METHODS: A cohort of 1,460 consecutive patients with a first MI admitted to four referral teaching hospitals (one with tertiary facilities) were followed up for 6 months after admission. Only patients initially admitted to each of the study hospitals were retained for analysis in the original hospital's cohort. End points were 6-month mortality and readmission for reinfarction, unstable angina, heart failure or severe ventricular arrhythmia. RESULTS: Patients admitted to the tertiary hospital were more likely to undergo coronary angiography (adjusted relative risk 4.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.37 to 5.45) than those admitted to the nontertiary sites (use rate: 22.1% for nontertiary care, 55.5% for tertiary care). Revascularization procedures were performed in 21.2% of patients in the tertiary hospital and in 8.3% in the nontertiary hospitals (p < 0.0001). Median delay for emergency coronary angiography was shorter in the tertiary hospital (within 1 vs. 2 days, p < 0.0001). Six-month mortality or readmission rates were similar (23.7% and 24.7% for tertiary and nontertiary care, respectively). After adjustment for comorbidity and disease severity, the relative risk of death or readmission for the tertiary hospital was 1.03 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.53) times that of the nontertiary hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Selective use of coronary angiography and revascularization procedures may be as effective as less restricted use in the management of acute MI.

Ischaemic threshold and haemodynamic changes during angina at rest in patients with unstable angina.

To examine whether increases in heart rate might be a common trigger of angina at rest, changes in heart rate, blood pressure and rate-pressure product during pain were compared with the ischaemic threshold (heart rate with ST segment shift > = 1 mm), determined by atrial pacing, in 272 patients with unstable angina. During an average of 5.9 +/- 5.2 episodes of angina, heart rate was comparable to control values (77.0 +/- 14.5 vs 75.2 +/- 11.5, beats.min-1, ns) and significantly lower than the ischaemic threshold (147.9 +/- 22.9, P < 0.00001). The rate-pressure product was also lower (955 +/- 183 vs 2033 +/- 369, x 10, P < 0.00001). Heart rate during rest angina was lower than the ischaemic threshold even when we considered only patients with ST depression during pain (n: 71, 81.4 +/- 16.0 vs 132.8 +/- 21.4, P < 0.00001), those with three-vessel disease (n: 43, 79.9 +/- 15.9 vs 136.9 +/- 22.0, P < 0.00001), or those with a low ischaemic threshold (= < 130 beats.min, n: 78, 77.0 +/- 14.9 vs 118.3 +/- 10.7, P < 0.00001). In 154 patients in whom a second pacing test was performed the response was reproducible in 137 cases (89%). Thus, heart rate barely changes during angina at rest in patients with unstable angina and is consistently much lower than the ischaemic threshold. These findings support the concept that increases in heart rate are an unlikely trigger of ischaemia at rest, even in patients with markedly reduced coronary reserve.

Cardiac hemochromatosis: beneficial effects of iron removal therapy. An echocardiographic study.

The echocardiographic (echo) features of idiopathic hemochromatosis (IH) were studied in 22 patients. Results were compared with a control group of 22 patients without heart disease. Statistically significant increases in left ventricular (LV) mass, end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters of the left ventricle and in left atrial dimension were observed in patients with IH; significant changes of systolic function indexes (decrease in fractional shortening and ejection fraction and increase in distance of the E point to the septum) were seen as well. These echo abnormalities were mainly seen in patients with abnormal electrocardiograms. In 11 patients with IH, iron removal therapy was carried out by means of periodic phlebotomies. In patients with impaired LV function at the beginning of therapy, comparison between measurements of the initial echo and posttreatment echo showed significant improvement in LV diameters, fractional shortening, ejection fraction, distance from the E point to the septum, LV mass and left atrial dimension.