Respiratory Muscle Function and Exercise Capacity in a Stage 4 Head and Neck Cancer Patient Receiving Chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Reduced physical and functional capacity is one of the main treatment-related side effects of chemoradiation therapy in head-and-neck cancer patients. We evaluated a case of a head-and-neck cancer patient who was undergoing chemoradiation and was assessed for various components of cardiopulmonary function that plays a vital role in the treatment prognosis. The aim of this case report was to evaluate the respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity of a head-and-neck cancer patient receiving chemoradiation therapy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: From among the newly diagnosed admitted to the hospital care, a 60-year-old male with supraglottic carcinoma, who was undergoing concomitant chemoradiation for 7 weeks, was evaluated for various components of cardiopulmonary function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Outcomes assessed were diaphragm function (mobility and thickness), maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure, and 6-min walk test at baseline (pre), after 3 weeks, and after 7 weeks of chemoradiation therapy. The data were quantitatively analyzed to interpret the difference of respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity. RESULTS: Evaluation of these outcomes showed a significant decrease from the baseline till the end of the 7th week. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, concomitant chemoradiation therapy substantially decreased the respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity in the head-and-neck cancer patient.

Synergistic role of susceptibility-weighted imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance angiography in the evaluation of acute arterial stroke.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) are more effective than conventional imaging modalities for evaluation of stroke and selection of candidates for thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: Eighty patients who presented within 12 hours of onset of symptoms of brain ischemia underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging. DWI and SWI were compared with conventional sequences (T1, T2, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR]) and time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) to assess factors that affect stroke management and prognosis. RESULTS: The volume of brain tissue showing hyperintensity was significantly greater than that showing diffusion restriction in patients with a >6-hour symptom onset. The hypointensity sign (susceptibility sign) on SWI showed a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 87.5%, positive predictive value of 88.9, and negative predictive value of 63.6 compared with TOF-MRA. Micro-hemorrhagic foci were significantly associated with 27-mL infarcts on DWI (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 85.0%). Patients with DWI-SWI mismatch showed better responses to thrombolytics. FLAIR-DWI mismatch helped to assess the time of stroke onset. CONCLUSION: DWI and SWI should be part of the routine imaging protocol in patients with acute stroke and serve as a decision-making tool for selection of patients for thrombolytic therapy.

Neonatal Airway Compromise by a Giant Cervicothoracic Venous Haemangioma.

Haemangiomas are most common non-malignant vascular tumours of infancy. Here, we describe an antenatally detected mass over the neck causing compressive respiratory compromise at birth requiring resuscitative measures at birth. The mass showed increased vascularity on Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) with extension upto superior mediastinum. Surgical excision was required following failure to medical measures with steroids and propranolol. Histopathology confirmed it to be a venous haemangioma. This case highlights that these benign lesions may reach large sizes and antenatal detection may help in planning effective delivery and resuscitative measures.

Symptomatic Morgagni's hernia in an elderly patient.

Hernia of Morgagni occurs through an anterior defect in the diaphragm. Symptoms of these hernias are attributable to the herniated viscera. In our case, there was partial obstruction due to herniation of the distal stomach and pylorus into the right hemithorax that was reduced surgically through a right thoracolapaorotomy. Of special emphasis are the various modalities used to diagnose this condition in our case.