Transient AV Block as a Hemodynamic Complication of the Influenza A Virus: A Case Report.

Influenza virus causes annual epidemics of respiratory illness characterized by sudden onset of fever, malaise, myalgias, headache, cough, and other respiratory complains. Each year in the United States, it is estimated that this debilitating respiratory illness accounts for 294,000 excess hospitalizations and 36,000 attributable deaths. Epidemiological studies describe increased cardiovascular mortality during influenza seasons. Cardiovascular involvement in acute influenza infection can occur through direct effects of the virus on the myocardium or through exacerbation of existing cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this report is to document a transient atrioventricular (AV) block with hemodynamic compromise after infection with the influenza virus in a patient with underlying cardiac disease without myocarditis.

Perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea: a survey of Puerto Rico anesthesia providers.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prevalence has been increasing in the past years adding significant morbidity. Perioperative management is controversial and few studies have addressed this matter. The American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) have developed clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative management of patients with OSA. Existing evidence suggest an increase in early postoperative complications in patients with OSA. Nevertheless, data about perioperative management of OSA is limited. To our knowledge, only two studies that address this matter, none in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A questionnaire was given to participants at the annual meeting of anesthesiology in Puerto Rico. The document was then anonymously deposited into sealed box. RESULTS: The response rate was 80 %. The awareness about written postoperative policy in patients with diagnosed (23 %) and suspected (11 %) OSA was low. If a written policy were available, 46 % of patients would have gone to ICU. The most important factor for final disposition was the degree of OSA, which was decided by surgery and anesthesia (69 %). In the last year, at least one complication related to OSA was observed in 20 % of respondents. The most common preoperative screening tool was the ASA guidelines. Seventy-two percent of respondents suggested a lack of institutional policies as the main reason for disparity. CONCLUSION: There is a significant heterogeneity in the current clinical practice. The main barriers identified to achieve current recommendations were lack of institutional policies, awareness of current guideline, formal training in management of OSA, and access to a sleep specialist.

Situs Inversus Totalis in the Critical Care Unit: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Situs inversus is a rare congenital disorder where the reversal of some of the major thoracic or abdominal organs is present. In this disorder, alterations in the fetus's organ lateralization lead to a complete reversal in the arrangement of the internal organs. Most of the time, they are found incidentally when having a procedure or imaging modality. Little has been written regarding the challenges encountered while providing critical care to these patients. Here we present the case of a 68-year-old male patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia who underwent diagnostic bronchoscopy for organism identification and was confirmed to have situs inversus totalis. Situs inversus totalis represents a challenge at different levels of care to these patients, including in the ICU. Limitations in critical care can be seen upon imaging identification, and during routine procedures performed at the ICU. Confusion might appear while performing bedside point of care ultrasound, obtaining vascular access, performing electrocardiogram, and sample identification, among others. The case brings the relevance of being able to recognize this rare disorder, which can be diagnosed even in advanced age since it might present the clinician with challenges at the time of providing care to patients.

Unusual Congenital Pulmonary Anomaly in an Adult Patient With Dyspnea.

This patient presented with scimitar syndrome, a rare combination of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, right lung hypoplasia, and dextroposition of the heart.