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Wen S, Unuma K, Watanabe R, Makino Y, Uemura K. Forensic evaluation of fatal-suffocating retropharyngeal haematoma secondary to cervical fractures: Report of two cases. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 85:102274. [PMID: 34800774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Traumatic retropharyngeal haematoma, a condition of low incidence, often occurs secondary to cervical injuries. Owing to the adjacent anatomical location and its insidious formation, retropharyngeal haematoma is prone to cause airway obstruction, which can occasionally be fatal. Though well known in clinical practice, retropharyngeal haematomas are rarely encountered in forensic practice and are not sufficiently explored from a forensic perspective. CASE PRESENTATION Herein, we present two cases of fatal-suffocating retropharyngeal haematoma following cervical vertebral fractures. In both cases, the time from injury to death was evident, showing unusually long periods from injury to death, specifically 4 days and 2 days, respectively. The causes of death were illustrated, and the delayed onset of fatal airway obstruction was explained. The important points regarding autopsies suspected to be fatal traumatic retropharyngeal haematomas were discussed. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the possibility of late onset and understanding of the features of imaging and autopsy findings of traumatic retropharyngeal haematoma is beneficial for forensic pathologists dealing with similar cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Wen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kana Unuma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ryo Watanabe
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohsuke Makino
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Uemura
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Retropharyngeal haematomas are most commonly associated with trauma and anti-coagulant use. This paper describes the first reported case of a spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma suspected to be due to indomethacin use. CASE REPORT It is proposed that the combination of indomethacin affecting platelet aggregation, alongside the patient coughing, may have led to this retropharyngeal haematoma. CONCLUSION The complexities of management are discussed and the current literature reviewed. In the absence of airway compromise or a rapidly enlarging haematoma, patients can be managed conservatively with observation and close discussion with the haematology department. Follow-up imaging is not necessary if the patient's symptoms settle; however, any increase in parathyroid hormone levels must be investigated to exclude a parathyroid adenoma.
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Sugiura G, Takahashi H, Kodama Y, Nara S. Successful management of retropharyngeal hematoma by trans-arterial embolism without intubation. Int J Emerg Med 2021; 14:3. [PMID: 33413083 PMCID: PMC7788530 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-020-00322-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retropharyngeal hematoma can cause suffocation if there is delay in securing the airway by intubation. However, there are also concerns about complications that can arise with intubation; it is still unknown which cases do not require intubation. CASE PRESENTATION An 88-year-old woman slipped and was found prone and was transported to the emergency room. She was alert without any stridor. Physical examination revealed a subcutaneous hematoma in the anterior cervical region. Computed tomography revealed a retropharyngeal hematoma. Angiography and computed tomography angiography showed extravasation from the right costocervical trunk. A radiologist performed trans-arterial embolization, and she had an uneventful course without intubation or developing any complication. She became ambulatory on postoperative day 5. CONCLUSION Angiography and computed tomography angiography help in early recognition of extravasation in retropharyngeal hematoma, and trans-arterial embolization can help to avoid intubation and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaku Sugiura
- Emergency and Critical Care Medical Center, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-jo 12-chome 1-40, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo, 006-8555, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Takahashi
- Emergency and Critical Care Medical Center, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-jo 12-chome 1-40, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo, 006-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Kodama
- Department of Radiology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nara
- Emergency and Critical Care Medical Center, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, 1-jo 12-chome 1-40, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo, 006-8555, Japan
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Perrucci L, Graziano M, Ferrante Z, Salviato E, Carnevale A, Galeotti R. Pitfalls in the embolisation of a thyrocervical trunk bleeding: a case report. Patient Saf Surg 2020; 14:19. [PMID: 32391083 PMCID: PMC7201948 DOI: 10.1186/s13037-020-00244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction An intrathoracic bleeding from the thyrocervical branch is not common in blunt trauma, but an interventional radiologist should be aware of the risks in order to prevent complications. Case presentation A 30-year-old male presented with a right pneumo-haemothorax due to active bleeding revealed at contrast-enhanced CT, as a consequence of a fall occurred in the previous week. The patient was treated with endovascular embolisation in an angiographic room with coils placement, since the right thyrocervical artery was found to be supplying the pneumo-haemothorax. A radiculo-medullary branch rose from the thyrocervical trunk, impeding the proximal embolization with microparticles and needing selective isolation of the bleeding artery with the catheter to avoid spinal cord injuries. The treatment had a successful result and the following CT control showed signs of recovering, without any complication. Conclusion Our paper presents a rare contingency, warning the operator to bear in mind the presence of arteries feeding the spinal cord. This crucial detail precludes the use of microparticles embolisation to prevent neurologic sequelae, whereas the use of endovascular coils for embolization should be mandatory. Moreover, this case reminds that the post-traumatic bleeding deriving from a cervical trauma may also occur later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perrucci
- 1Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy.,2Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,3Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria - Nuovo Sant'Anna Hospital, via A. Moro 8, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Graziano
- 1Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Zairo Ferrante
- 1Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Salviato
- 1Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Aldo Carnevale
- 4Radiology Department, University Radiology Unit, Sant'Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Galeotti
- 2Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Traumatic Retropharyngeal Hematoma in a Patient Taking Clopidogrel. Case Rep Emerg Med 2018; 2018:6147473. [PMID: 30186639 PMCID: PMC6109996 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6147473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a retropharyngeal hematoma may lead to acute airway compromise requiring emergent airway stabilization. We describe the development of a retropharyngeal hematoma in an elderly woman who sustained a fall from standing approximately 10 hours prior to symptom onset who was taking the antiplatelet agents clopidogrel and aspirin. This delayed onset of rapid airway compromise secondary to a retropharyngeal hematoma following a fall in a patient taking clopidogrel is an unusual and potentially life threatening event.
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Yang CJ, Cheng SY, Cheng CC, Tang CT, Tsai SH. Vertebral artery ruptures manifesting as hoarseness. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017; 86 Suppl 1:11-13. [PMID: 28108273 PMCID: PMC9422621 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Jen Yang
- National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yao Cheng
- National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Cheng
- National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tun Tang
- National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Department of Neurological Surgery, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hung Tsai
- National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Life-Threatening Retropharyngeal Hemorrhage Secondary to Rupture of the Inferior Thyroid Artery. Case Rep Emerg Med 2015; 2015:789076. [PMID: 26819785 PMCID: PMC4706887 DOI: 10.1155/2015/789076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inferior thyroid artery (ITA) rupture is rare and may progress to life-threatening conditions. We present a patient who visited the emergency department after an episode of syncope and dizziness in which he had a mechanical fall that resulted in abrasions and a hematoma to his left forehead. The patient presented with dysphagia and anterior neck swelling that progressed rapidly into airway compromise requiring endotracheal intubation. Emergent computed tomography revealed a large retropharyngeal hematoma, with active arterial extravasation that was thought to be arising from the thyrocervical trunk on the left. The hematoma measured approximately 6.7 cm transversely and 3.2 cm anteroposteriorly and extended from the level of the lower nasopharynx, down the neck into the retropharyngeal and danger space and into the mediastinum posterior to the esophagus, overall approximately 25 cm. The larynx was deviated anteriorly and there was esophageal compression. An emergent arteriogram and catheterization confirmed bleeding from branches of the ITA, and successful embolization was performed. It is important to recognize the ITA rupture as a potential etiology of an acute airway compromise. In emergent situations, while securing an airway is a priority, rapidly initiating diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis and arranging for arterial embolization can be life-saving.
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Retropharyngeal hematoma secondary to minor blunt neck trauma: case report. Rev Bras Anestesiol 2013; 62:731-5. [PMID: 22999405 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-7094(12)70171-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The development of a retropharyngeal hematoma following a blunt trauma is a rare occurrence. However, a space-occupying lesion in this area can be life-threatening and requires rapid assessment and treatment. This is clinically important because of the close proximity of the retropharyngeal space to the upper airway. Any swelling in the the posterior pharyngeal space may prompt it to bulge anteriorly into the airway and cause its obstruction. CASE REPORT A 86-year-old woman fell from a height of 1.5m and hit her neck on stairs and was admitted to our trauma department. A computerized tomography scan and a lateral neck x-ray to observe the soft tissue revealed a large retropharyngeal mass extending from the base of the skull down to the level of the lung. The patient was kept under observation and the hematoma reduced spontaneously in the following seven days although the patient died on the tenth day from pulmonary infection. The report emphasizes that early drainage of a retropharyngeal hematoma should be considered in similar cases. Although rarely encountered, retropharyngeal hematoma is a problem that can be faced in an emergency department.
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Tanizaki S, Hayashi H. Massive Hemothorax after Blunt Transverse Cervical Artery Injury. J Emerg Med 2012; 43:e397-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Iizuka S, Morita S, Otsuka H, Yamagiwa T, Yamamoto R, Aoki H, Fukushima T, Inokuchi S. Sudden asphyxia caused by retropharyngeal hematoma after blunt thyrocervical artery injury. J Emerg Med 2012; 43:451-6. [PMID: 22366355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retropharyngeal hematomas are often associated with blunt cervical spine injury. Generally, they improve with conservative treatment; however, rarely, airway obstruction occurs due to delayed swelling of retropharyngeal hematoma. OBJECTIVES To report a case of sudden asphyxia due to retropharyngeal hematoma caused by blunt thyrocervical artery injury. CASE REPORT A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department of Tokai University Hospital 4h after injury in a motor vehicle collision. On arrival, she had severe dyspnea and neck swelling; thereafter, a 26-mm-thick retropharyngeal swelling was visualized on lateral cervical plain X-ray study, extending from C1 anterior vertebrae to mediastinum. Emergency intubation was performed for the asphyxia. Because extravasation of contrast agent was observed in the hematoma on emergency contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, emergency angiography was performed, from which we diagnosed a hemorrhage from the right thyrocervical artery. CONCLUSION If a patient with a non-displaced cervical spine injury suffers airway obstruction due to retropharyngeal hematoma, vigorous hemorrhage from a thyrocervical artery injury should be considered as the cause, and emergency contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck should be performed after emergent tracheal intubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Iizuka
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
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Abstract
Retropharyngeal haematoma is a rare and potentially fatal cause of airway obstruction. The treatment of retropharyngeal haematoma is contentious. We report a case of an 84 year old woman on aspirin and warfarin who developed a retropharyngeal haematoma following minor blunt head and neck trauma. The patient presented insidiously with Capp’s triad and developed delayed airway obstruction necessitating emergency fibreoptic endoscopic intubation. Both tracheostomy and surgical drainage were avoided and she recovered well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mj Lin
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Sinclair
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Life-threatening airway obstruction presenting as a simple mechanical fall. Eur J Emerg Med 2009; 16:217-8. [PMID: 19318962 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0b013e328311d1fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Emergency medicine requires an ability to manage the undifferentiated patient, often under pressure and with limited or conflicting information. Advanced airway management is an integral component of emergency care but is only one of a broad range of cross-specialty skills used in daily practice. This case demonstrates these factors, while describing a precipitous presentation of a rare clinical problem.
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13
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Lin JY, Wang CH, Huang TW. Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma: case report. Auris Nasus Larynx 2006; 34:423-5. [PMID: 17161928 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2006.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2006] [Revised: 10/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires an early diagnosis. Isolated retropharyngeal hematoma without an associated cervical fracture is a relatively rare condition. The treatment of retropharyngeal hematoma is conservative in most cases, with close observation. The indications for surgical evacuation of hematomas are large size, difficult with mechanical ventilation and failure to improve with medical therapy. We present the case of a 50-year-old man with retropharyngeal hematoma with a compromised airway due to minor contusion of the neck, which required surgical intervention. The patient underwent emergent surgical debridement and tracheostomy. Postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged 9 days later. Early surgical intervention can reduce the hospital stay, resulting in a rapid convalescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun-Yu Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, 325, Cheng-Kung Road 2nd Section, Taipei 114, Taiwan, ROC
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Koulouris G, Pianta M, Stuckey S. The ‘Sentinel Clot’ Sign in Spontaneous Retropharyngeal Hematoma Secondary to Parathyroid Apoplexy. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2006. [DOI: 10.1177/014556130608500915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous retropharyngeal hemorrhage from a cervical parathyroid adenoma is a rare complication of primary hyperparathyroidism. Because of its rarity, it has seldom been documented in the radiologic or ENT literature. Patients may present with a variety of manifestations, ranging from dysphagia to dysphonia to life-threatening dyspnea or hemorrhage. Awareness of a possible thyroid or parathyroid etiology may expedite treatment and prevent unnecessary interventions. We present a case of spontaneous retropharyngeal hemorrhage in which the “sentinel clot” sign enabled us to identify the lesion of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Koulouris
- From the Department of Radiology, The Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Pianta
- From the Department of Radiology, The Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Stuckey
- Department of Radiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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Sabra O, Sabri A, Sfeir P. Airway obstruction secondary to thoracic aortic aneurysm leak. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2006; 263:1144-6. [PMID: 16855827 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-006-0113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2005] [Accepted: 06/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare entity that has various etiologies. Anticoagulation is believed to be the most common cause. Aortic aneurysm leak was reported as a cause of this disease only once. We believe that our case is the second case of retropharyngeal hematoma caused by a leaking aortic aneurysm. A case discussion and management is presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Sabra
- Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut PO Box: 11-0236, 11072020 Riad El-Solh/Beirut, Lebanon.
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Suzuki T, Imai H, Uchino M, Wakita R, Endo M, Kitahara T, Soma K, Ohwada T. Fatal retropharyngeal haematoma secondary to blunt trauma. Injury 2004; 35:1059-63. [PMID: 15351677 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2003.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2003] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Suzuki
- Critical Care and Emergency Center, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Sagamihara-City 228-8555, Japan.
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