Contrast-induced encephalopathy presenting as acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Contrast media induced encephalopathy is a rare complication of contrast administration characterized by non-specific neurological signs and symptoms that may present both clinically and radiolographically as subarachnoid hemorrhage. While there are few reported presentations in the neurology literature after inpatient contrast administration, similar emergency department presentations have not been documented. We describe a patient who presented with encephalopathy and expressive aphasia after outpatient evaluation of an intrathecal analgesia pump who had radiographic imaging consistent with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Which is better: a miniaturized percutaneous ventricular assist device or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for patients with cardiogenic shock?

The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes associated with the use of Impella and TandemHeart short-term support devices with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for postinfarction- or decompensated cardiomyopathy-related cardiogenic shock. Between January 2006 and September 2011, 79 patients were supported with either an Impella axial flow pump (n = 7) or a TandemHeart centrifugal pump (n = 11), or with ECMO (n = 61) therapy for cardiogenic shock in a single institution. Pertinent variables and postprocedural events were analyzed in this cohort of patients using a prospectively maintained clinical database.

Outcomes of axillary artery side graft cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objective: To determine the safety, efficacy, and frequency of side graft axillary artery cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and compare it with other cannulation techniques.

Methods: From January 2001 to October 2011, 308 adult patients were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at a single center. In 81 patients (26.

Have changes in ECMO technology impacted outcomes in adult patients developing postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology has undergone several advancements over the last decade. We sought to compare current ECMO technology to older ones to determine how these technological improvements have impacted outcomes in patients suffering from postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Between 2005 and 2010, 49 patients received ECMO as support for PCS following elective cardiac surgery.