Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax Secondary to Marijuana and Tobacco Abuse.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in patients without apparent clinical lung disease, with a higher incidence in tall, thin males between the ages of 10 and 30. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition that can develop within minutes due to progressive air accumulation in the pleural space; mechanical pressure can lead to significant cardiorespiratory compromise. Tobacco association with a higher incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax has been well documented, but marijuana and spontaneous pneumothorax connection has not been well studied. However, it has been observed that patients who use marijuana and tobacco simultaneously have a higher incidence of spontaneous tension and larger pneumothoraces, as well as longer postoperative stay and higher recurrence than cigarette-only users. We present a case of a 26-year-old young male with a history only significant for excessive tobacco and marijuana smoking who developed multiple recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax and had to undergo right-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with minimally invasive thoracotomy and had a prolonged hospital stay. With our case report, we hope to add to the evidence the effects of combined marijuana and tobacco smoking on bullous lung disease and pneumothorax while emphasizing the importance of conducting a detailed substance use history in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Non-syndromic Parachute Mitral Valve "When the Valve Dives in": Case Report and Review of the Literature.

A parachute mitral valve (PMV) is a congenital mitral valve anomaly diagnosed in infancy, and it can also be discovered in adults during echocardiography. Surgical management is common in infants to prevent complications from left-heart obstructions. In adults, PMV may be found independently or with other cardiac defects. Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for certain congenital heart anomalies before dental procedures. A study suggests reconsidering guidelines to include anomalies like bicuspid aortic valve and MVP for antibiotic prophylaxis. PMV, with transvalvular blood flow turbulence, may increase the risk of infective endocarditis, as seen in a reported case with a parachute-like mitral valve. Here, we present the case of a 62-year-old female incidentally found to have a PMV during an echocardiogram.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Literature Review.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a medical condition characterized by the rupture of the coronary artery wall, occurring without any external trauma. This ailment has been linked to various inflammatory, rheumatologic, and connective tissue disorders, as well as pregnancy-related changes. Despite being a less familiar cause of acute coronary syndrome, it has a considerable mortality rate, with incidence rates reaching up to 4%. This review will discuss the occurrence, pathophysiology, categorization, risk factors, diagnostic techniques, and treatment approaches related to spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Iatrogenic Cardiac Tamponade Secondary to Central Venous Catheter Placement: A Literature Review.

Cardiac tamponade is the fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac that compresses the heart and decreases cardiac output. More than 20% of the cases are surgical or non-surgical iatrogenic causes. Cardiac tamponade has been described as a rare complication of central venous catheter placement with an incidence in adults as low as less than 1% but with significantly high mortality of more than 60%. The purpose of this article is to review the incidence, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of cardiac tamponade after central venous catheter placement as well as different methods to prevent this fatal complication from occurring.