Massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage from traumatic intrasplenic pseudoaneurysms: treatment using superselective embolotherapy

The importance of splenic preservation in the setting of penetrating and blunt trauma has led to the development of more sophisticated and noninvasive methods for controlling splenic hemorrhage. Although controversy exists, transcatheter embolotherapy has challenged the use of splenectomy in patients suffering from persistent bleeding after splenic trauma. We describe a case of a 41-year-old man with hepatitis C, ethanol-induced liver disease, and portal hypertension who presented with splenic rupture secondary to blunt trauma. Continued intra-abdominal hemorrhage was successfully controlled by superselective embolotherapy using microcoils and gelatin sponge pledgets.

Simultaneous reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects of both lower limbs with free hemiflaps harvested from the omentum

Simultaneous resurfacing of extensive soft-tissue defects involving both lower extremities can be performed successfully with free hemiflaps harvested from the omentum. This avoids the need for staged operations or for separate donor sites with the concomitant morbidities, the possible need for intraoperative repositioning, and the significantly greater operative time. During the past 3 years, six omental free hemiflaps were performed in three patients for bilateral lower limb reconstruction. All patients had extensive ulcerations, averaging 207.5 cm2 in surface area. Ulcerations were secondary to either homozygous sickle cell anemia (two patients) or chronic venous insufficiency (one patient). Operative time averaged 11 hours for the bilateral procedures. Delayed skin grafting was performed in two patients. All six omental free hemiflaps were successful. Partial skin-graft loss due to infection occurred in both sickle cell anemia patients. Significant improvement in symptoms was noted in all patients. There were no donor-site complications. Free hemiflaps harvested from the omentum can provide sufficient well-vascularized tissue with large-caliber vessels for coverage of separate extensive soft-tissue defects in one operation with minimal donor-site morbidity, making this an ideal flap option when multiple sites are involved.

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure estimates of left ventricular preload are inaccurate in endotoxin shock: contribution of Starling resistor forces to septic pulmonary hypertension

We tested the hypothesis that Starling resistor forces play a significant role in the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance during endotoxin shock. Anesthetized pigs (n = 9) were given Escherichia coli endotoxin (ETX; .5 mg/kg intravenously over 30 min). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were recorded through a Swan-Ganz catheter. Pulmonary capillary pressure (Pc) was obtained from the analysis of the transient pulmonary artery pressure decay curve upon balloon inflation. Both proximal (Ra) and distal (Rv) pulmonary vascular resistance were calculated from cardiac output (CO), MPAP, Pc, and PCWP. Left atrial pressure (LAP) was measured directly via a left atrial catheter. Left ventricular end-diastolic wall thickness (LV-EDWT) was monitored by sonomicrometry, and used as an index of left ventricular preload. The results at baseline (t = 0) and t = 60 (30 min after the cessation of endotoxin infusion) were compared with saline control animals (n = 6). Data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA followed by contrast of residuals (p < or = .05). After endotoxin, arterial blood pressure and CO fell significantly, an effect not seen in control pigs. In the control group neither LAP nor PCWP changed significantly over time, and remained equivalent to each other. In the septic shock group there was no difference between LAP and PCWP at t = 0. However, by t = 60 LAP dropped and PCWP rose significantly. This fall in LAP and increase in PCWP were significantly different from the time-matched control values, and from each other.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in infectious mononucleosis: a failed attempt at nonoperative therapy

Rupture of the spleen in infectious mononucleosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Once injured, the "pathologic" spleen may have limited reparative capabilities. In this situation, operative management seems to be the safer therapeutic approach.

Adductor canal compression syndrome

Adductor canal syndrome is an unusual cause of acute arterial occlusion in younger men. It is the result of arterial compression by an abnormal musculotendinous band arising from the adductor magnus muscle and lying adjacent and superior to the adductor tendon. The pathogenetic mechanism of this syndrome resembles that of popliteal fossa entrapment and can become manifest after exercise. Since this syndrome occurs in younger men in whom acute arterial occlusion can lead to limb loss, recognition of the presence of apparent ischemic symptoms after exercise in an otherwise healthy young man is important. The treatment consists of the division of the abnormal band and restoration of arterial continuity by appropriate means. A search for bilateral lesions can help avoid future problems even when the symptoms are unilateral.