Changes in spatial QRS-T angle and QTc interval in patients with traumatic brain injury with or without intra-abdominal hypertension.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects cardiac electrical function, and several extra-cerebral factors, including intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), might further modulate this brain-heart interaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of TBI, and of increased IAP during TBI, on cardiac electrical function as measured by vectorcardiographic (VCG) variables.

Methods: Survival, IAP and changes in VCG variables including spatial QRS-T angle and QTc interval were measured in consecutive adult patients with either isolated TBI (iTBI), or with TBI accompanied by polytrauma to the abdomen and/or limbs (pTBI).

Independent lung ventilation for treatment of post-traumatic ARDS.

Background: Independent lung ventilation (ILV) has been recommended for unilateral pulmonary pathology. We describe a case of a multiple trauma patient treated with ILV for unilateral lung injury.

Case Report: Following a road accident, an 18 year-old male patient was referred to the university hospital with multiple organ failure, a ruptured liver and spleen, a fractured spine at the Th1-2 level, and left lung contusion.

[Tricuspidal valve rupture after blunt chest trauma].

Background: Blunt chest trauma is frequently associated with cardiac contusion and structural damage, most cases only being recognized after death. We report a case of multiple organ trauma, where cardiac failure, caused by tricuspid valve rupture, was markedly delayed.

Case Report: A 21 yr old man was admitted to hospital after a car accident.

Coronary air embolism during removal of a central venous catheter.

Background: Acute air embolism has been described during central venous cannulation, but it may also occur during catheter removal in a spontaneously breathing patient. We describe an episode of acute coronary ischaemia that occurred during CV catheter removal.

Case Report: A 23-year-old male, multiple trauma patient was treated over 27 days in an ITU.

[Pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis after chest wall injury].

Unlabelled: Pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis are rare findings, and may result from a variety of causes, including severe asthma or trauma. We describe a case, where intracranial and intraspinal air was found after trauma to the chest wall.

Case Report: A 24-yr-old patient suffered multiple trauma in a traffic accident, including a closed head injury and bursting fractures of theTh 7, 8 and 9 vertebral bodies with laceration of the spinal cord.

[Effects of cervical plexus block on lung ventilation].

Background: Carotid endarterectomy is a preventative operation to reduce the incidence of embolic stroke. The prime concern during surgery is the protection of the brain during carotid artery cross-clamping. Since blood flow to the brain is provided via the non-affected carotid artery and collateral circulation, it is essential to maintain consciousness in the patient during surgery, in order to assess the effects of cross-clamping.

[Comparison of two methods of cervical plexus block for carotid endarterectomy].

Background: Cerebral thromboembolism is one of the main risks of carotid artery occlusive disease. Carotid endarterectomy is a preventive operation to reduce the incidence of embolic stroke. Of prime concern during this surgery is protection of the brain during carotid cross-clamping.

Use of drotrecorgin alfa--recombinant activated human protein C in treatment of septic shock in the course of therapy for nephrolithiasis.

Background: Septic shock is the most dangerous complication of nephrolithiasis management utilizing percutaneous methods.

Case Report: The patient, D.M.