Arterial cannulation for constant monitoring of arterial pressure and blood gase analyses has become commonplace in the care of the critically ill patients. The radial artery is often regarded as causing a negligible complication risk because of extensive collateral arterial flow in the hand. One of other alternative sites for arterial cannulation is femoral artery. Femoral artery cannulation has a high degree of success in very small, critically ill children. It should be considered an acceptable alternative to small-vessel cannulation when the latter is not technically achievable, or in the unstable patient where rapid establishment of reliable artery access is necessary. Arterial cannulation may cause many complications: arterial catheters can directly injure the vessels, resulting in thrombosis, occlusion, distal embolization or ischemia. Local insertion site complications, such as hematoma, hemorrhage, and infection may occur. Arterial catheter may also be a source of systemic sepsis. We report an unusual case of unintentional release of a catheter fragment into the external iliac artery in a 7-month (7.8 kg) male patient with tetralogy of Fallot, which was inadvertently inserted during right femoral artery cannulation. The catheter fragment was successfully retrieved with the Amplatz Goose Neck microsnare under fluoroscopy without any problems.
Arterial Pressure ; Arteries ; Catheterization* ; Catheters* ; Child ; Critical Illness ; Femoral Artery* ; Fluoroscopy ; Hand ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Iliac Artery* ; Ischemia ; Male ; Neck ; Radial Artery ; Sepsis ; Tetralogy of Fallot ; Thrombosis

With the development of gray scale ultrasonography, detection and evaluation of hepatic parenchymal diseaseincluding space occupying lesions are easitly performed and frequently used in the world. Thirty-five cases ofhistopathologically proven and ultrasonographically suggested hepatocellular carcinoma are retrospectivelystudied. The results were as follows; 1. Ultrasonographic findings of hepatocellular carcinoma show hyperechoicpattern in 22 cases (63%), hypoechoic pattern in 2 cases (6%), and mixed pattern in 11 cases (31%). 2. The marginof tumor is ill-defined in 19 cases (54%) and well defined in 16 cases (46%). 3. The size of tumor by sonographicmeasurement was larger than 5cm in diameter in 33 cases (94%). 4. The number of tumor is solitary in 19 cases andmultiple in 16 cases. The sites of involved lobe were right lobe in 22 cases (63%), left lobe in 2 cases (6%), andboth lobes in 11 cases (31%). 5. Associated sonographic findings were hepatomegaly with focal contour change in 25cases (71%), splenomegaly in 16 cases (46%), cirrhosis of liver in 15 cases (43%), ascites in 11 cases (31%) andtumoral thrombosis in portal vein in 8 cases (23%). 6. The sex ratio is 6:1 male predominence and the age rangesfrom 32 to 76 years with highest incidence in 5th and 6th decades.
Ascites ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Fibrosis ; Hepatomegaly ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver ; Male ; Portal Vein ; Sex Ratio ; Splenomegaly ; Thrombosis ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common complaints following laparoscopic surgery, and being female is a risk factor for PONV. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine if the incidence of PONV is associated with variations in the blood concentration of female hormones that occur during different stages of the menstrual cycle. METHODS: We recruited 103 women who were undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia and met all of the inclusion criteria for this study. A menstrual history was taken from each patient during the preoperative anesthetic visit and blood samples were collected from all patients to determine the concentration of female hormones (estradiol, progesterone). We then assessed the nausea rating scale (NRS) and the occurrence of retching and vomiting at 0-2 hours, 2-6 hours, and 6-24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall incidence of PONV was 60.2% within the first 24 hours following surgery. However, no significant differences in the incidence of PONV were observed in women in different menstrual phases (follicular phase, 63.5% vs. luteal phase, 56.9%). In addition, there was no significant difference observed in the female hormonal concentration of the blood of patients who experienced PONV and those that did not, and there was no correlation between the NRS and the blood concentration of female hormones. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that female hormones (estradiol, progesterone) are not associated with the occurrence of PONV following gynecological laparoscopic surgery.
Anesthesia, General ; Estradiol ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laparoscopy ; Luteal Phase ; Menstrual Cycle ; Nausea ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Progesterone ; Risk Factors ; Vomiting

Tuberous sclerosis is reported rarely and is associated with systemic lesions including central nervous system, skin, heart, eye and kidney. Approximately 5-15% of individuals with tuberous sclerosis will develop brain neoplasia, almost invariably subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma (SGCA). We experienced a case of SGCA with tuberous sclerosis operated by the transcallosal approach and report with literature review.
Astrocytoma* ; Brain ; Central Nervous System ; Heart ; Kidney ; Skin ; Tuberous Sclerosis*

BACKGROUND: In searching for a differential spinal block between dependent and nondependent sides, we evaluated the influence of the duration of lateral decubitus on the spread of hyperbaric bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Spinal anesthesia with 1.2 ml of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine (6 mg) was administered with a 25-gauge Whitacre unidirectional needle to 50 ASA 1 patients undergoing unilateral knee arthroscopy. The patients were allocated randomly to three groups according to the duration of lateral decubitus after spinal injection in the lateral position operation side dependent: Group 1, 10 min in lateral decubitus then supine; Group 2, 20 min in lateral decubitus then supine; Group 3, 30 min in lateral decubitus then supine. Sensory and motor block (pinprick/modified Bromage scale) as well as skin temperature were compared between the dependent and nondependent sides. Circulatory variables were recorded for 10 min after being turned supine. RESULTS: The sensory block between dependent and nondependent sides were significantly different in Group 3. In Group 1, the level of maximum sensory block was higher than Group 3 on nondependent side. There was no difference in the number of patients having achieved Grade 3 and 0 motor block among three groups on dependent and nondependent sides. The skin temperature in lateral decubitus was significantly higher on the dependent side than nondependent side in three groups. In Groups 1 and 2, the skin temperatures of nondependent side were increased after turned supine, but that was maintained during supine position in Group 3. The circulatory variables were stable in all 50 patients. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when a small dose of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine is injected into patients in the lateral position, complete unilateral spinal anesthesia is achieved when the patients arekeep in a lateral position for more than 30 min after spinal injection.
Anesthesia, Spinal* ; Arthroscopy ; Bupivacaine* ; Humans ; Injections, Spinal ; Knee ; Needles ; Skin Temperature ; Supine Position

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic salpingectomy using one-port in tubal pregnancy compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: From June 2008 to June 2011, 63 women were treated with laparoscopic salpingectomy due to tubal pregnancy, which was diagnosed by ultrasonography. These patients were divided into two groups. Of these 63 patients, 32 women were treated with conventional laparoscopic salpingectomy (CLS) in group I, 31 women underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy using one port (OPLS) in group II. In group I, rigid 0degrees or 30degrees, 10 mm laparoscope, rigid instruments were used. In group II, 30degrees, 10 mm laparoscope, rigid or flexible angulated tip instruments were used during the surgery. We reviewed and compared clinical characteristics, clinical outcomes of these patients. RESULTS: Patients in Group I were compatible with the patients in group II in clinical characteristics. Clinical outcomes were not different between two groups in terms of Hemoglobin change (g/dL), hospital stay (days), hemoperitoneum (mL), transfusion. Mean operative time was significantly longer in group II (59.7+/-15.7 min vs. 46.5+/-15.0 min, p=0.001). The mean length of skin incision was obviously shorter in group II; the difference was highly statistically significant (15.5+/-3.0 mm vs 23.5+/-3.0 mm, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: It seems that OPLS is feasible alternative to CLS to treat hemodynamically stable patients without complications. Additionally, this technique also results in better cosmetic outcomes than CLS. Randomized prospective clinical studies with larger scale are necessary in the future to confirm these results.
Cosmetics ; Female ; Hemoglobins ; Hemoperitoneum ; Humans ; Laparoscopes ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Operative Time ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Tubal ; Salpingectomy ; Skin

PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the relationship between the beta-fibrinogen G/A-455 single nucleotide polymorphism and the risk of ischemic stroke in Korea because there are racial differences in polymorphisms and Koreans have never been studied before. METHODS: From March to September 2003, we compared 80(male : female=1.2 : 0.8) patients who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke at Kyung Hee university hospital emergency center had been to 150 control subjects. The genotypes of the beta-fibrinogen G/A-455 polymorphism were confirmed by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by HaeIII restriction enzyme digestion. RESULTS: The results showed that the patient group had a much higher rate of heterozygotism (GA or AG). A statistical analysis of the genotype frequency showed chi2 to be 6.24, indicating a significant difference between the patient and the control groups (p=0.044). For the allele frequency, the odds ratio was 1.88(95% CI 1.16-3.04), indicating a significant difference between the two groups, and also allele frequency in ischemic stroke patient with or without hyperfibrinogenemia, male sex and smoking history showed odds ratio to be 2.38(95% CI 1.26~4.49), 1.78(95% CI 1.01~3.14)and 1.94(95% CI 1.12~3.35) indicating significant difference. CONCLUSION: The high rate of polymorphisms of the AA genotype of beta-fibrinogen G/A-455 in ischemic stroke patients in our study leads us to the belief of the possibility that beta-fibrinogen G/A-455 polymorphisms in males with a smoking history and hyperfibrinogenemia, if found in advance, could lead to an improved prognosis and reduced clinical expenses by allowing early diagnosis and preventive management.
Digestion ; Early Diagnosis ; Emergencies ; Gene Frequency ; Genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Odds Ratio ; Pilot Projects* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Prognosis ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stroke*

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the myocardial enhancement patterns in patients with myocardial infarction using two-phase contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with clinically proven myocardial infarction (17 acute myocardial infarction [AMI] and 6 chronic myocardial infarction [CMI]) were examined with two-phase contrast-enhanced ECG-gated MDCT. The presence, location, and patterns of myocardial enhancement on two-phase MDCT images were compared with infarcted myocardial territories determined by using electrocardiogram, echocardiography, thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography, catheter and MDCT coronary angiography. RESULTS: After clinical assessment, the presence of myocardial infarctions were found in 27 territories (19 AMI and 8 CMI) of 23 patients. Early perfusion defects were observed in 30 territories of all 23 patients. Three territories not corresponding to a myocardial infarction were detected in three patients with AMI and were associated with artifacts. Fourteen of perfusion defects were in the left anterior descending artery territory, four in the left circumflex artery territory, and nine in the right coronary artery territory. Delayed enhancement was observed in 25 territories (17 AMI and 8 CMI) of 21 patients. Delayed enhancement patterns were variable. Transmural early perfusion defects (n =12) were closely associated with transmural late enhancement (n = 5) and subendocardial residual defect with subepicardial late enhancement (n = 5). CONCLUSION: Myocardial infarction showed early perfusion defects and variable delayed enhancement patterns on two-phase contrast-enhanced MDCT. Delayed enhancement technique of MDCT could provide additional information of the location and extent of infarcted myocardium, and could be useful to plan appropriate therapeutic strategies in patients with AMI.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Contrast Media ; Coronary Angiography ; Echocardiography ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Iohexol/analogs & derivatives/diagnostic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/*radiography ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

BACKGROUND: Recently, functional direct cortical stimulation mapping is frequently used during craniotomy for the surgery of brain pathology (tumors, epileptic foci etc.) within or close to the central motor area. We reviewed and analyzed our experiences to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our hospital's anesthetic management regimens. METHODS: We used three anesthetic regimens (isoflurane fentanyl; propofol fentanyl; awake craniotomy, conscious sedation analgesia) in 44 patients. We evaluated the success ratio of mapping and the incidence of intraoperative problems (seizures, changes in vital signs etc) in each regimens. RESULTS: In awake craniotomy group, functional mapping is performed successfully in all patients but there were some intraoperative problems (hypertension; 3 in 11 patients, hypercapnia; 3 in 11 patients, change to general anesthesia required; 1 in 12 patients). In general anesthesia groups, there were no significant differences between isoflurane treated patients and propofol treated patients in the success ratio of mapping (17/20 vs 11/12) and the incidence of intraoperative problems (seizure; 3/20 vs 1/12, hypertension; 2/20 vs 1/12). CONCLUSION: This results suggest that the anesthetic management regimens used in our hospital provide suitable conditions for craniotomies when brain mapping is required.
Anesthesia, General ; Brain Diseases ; Brain Mapping ; Conscious Sedation ; Craniotomy* ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Hypercapnia ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Isoflurane ; Propofol ; Vital Signs

BACKGROUND: Postoperative myalgia after administration of succinylcholine is a frequent complication after surgery. This study was designed to determine whether there was any association between postoperative myalgia and muscle relaxants. METHODS: Sixty patients were assigned to three groups of equal size. Group 1, the patients received succinylcholine, 1.0 mg/kg for tracheal intubation. Group 2, received pancuronium 0.01 mg/kg, 4 minutes before administration of succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg. Group 3, received pancuronium 0.01 mg/kg, 4 minutes before administration of pancuronium 0.09 mg/kg. Blood samples for determination of serum potassium concentration were taken before the induction of anesthesia and 3 minutes after tracheal intubation. The incidence and severity of muscle fasciculation and myalgia were assessed in a double-blind manner. RESULTS: Serum potassium concentration was significantly increased in group 1. In group 2, incidence and severity of muscle fasciculation were significantly less than groups 1. Postoperative myalgia was significantly less in group 3 when compared with group 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation between succinylcholine induced fasciculation and postoperative myalgia. Pretreatment with pancuronium decreased the incidence of fasciculation and the changes of serum potassium concentration by succinylcholine, but has little effects on the succinylcholine induced postoperative myalgia.
Anesthesia ; Fasciculation ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intubation ; Myalgia* ; Pancuronium* ; Potassium ; Succinylcholine*