Right diaphragmatic paralysis following endocardial cryothermal ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
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Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a rare disorder amenable to catheter ablation when refractory to medical therapy. Radiofrequency (RF) catheter modification/ablation of the sinus node (SN) is the usual approach, although it can be complicated by right phrenic nerve paralysis. We describe a patient with IST, who had symptomatic recurrences despite previous acutely successful RF SN modifications, including the use of electroanatomical mapping/navigation system. We decided to try transvenous cryothermal modification of the SN. We used 2 min applications at -85 degrees C at sites of the earliest atrial activation guided by activation mapping during isoprenaline infusion. Every application was preceded by high output stimulation to reveal phrenic nerve proximity. During the last application, heart rate slowly and persistently fell below 85 bpm despite isoprenaline infusion, but right diaphragmatic paralysis developed. At 6 months follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and the diaphragmatic paralysis had partially resolved. This is the first report, we believe, of successful SN modification for IST by endocardial cryoablation, although this case also demonstrates the considerable risk of right phrenic nerve paralysis even with this ablation energy. (+info)
Prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with respiratory onset.
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Respiratory muscle involvement is a recognised, but often late, complication of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The clinical features and prognosis of 21 patients with respiratory onset ALS are reported here. On a retrospective chart review, it was found that 2.7% of patients with ALS presenting to a tertiary care specialty clinic have respiratory symptoms as their first clinical symptom of ALS. Only 14% of these individuals presented acutely and required emergency intubation. The mean survival time of the total group from symptom onset to death or permanent ventilation was 27.0 (14.9) months, which was not significantly different from the survival time in patients with bulbar onset ALS. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) significantly improved survival compared with those who did not use NIPPV. This study suggests that ALS with respiratory onset does not necessarily follow a rapidly progressive course. (+info)
We report the case of a patient with severe dyspnea upon reclining. Lung disease, neuromuscular disorders and heart disease were ruled out. However, during the course of the investigation, bilateral diaphragmatic paresis was discovered. A key sign leading to the diagnosis was evidence of paradoxical respiration in the dorsal decubitus position. When the patient was moved from the orthostatic position to the dorsal decubitus position, oxygenation and forced vital capacity worsened. The orthostatic fluoroscopy was normal. Maximal inspiratory pressure was severely reduced. The responses to transcutaneous electric stimulation of the diaphragm were normal. However, electric stimulation of the phrenic nerve produced no response, leading to the diagnosis of bilateral diaphragmatic paresis. (+info)
Survey of use of the insufflator-exsufflator in patients with spinal cord injury.
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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The insufflator-exsufflator has been shown to be effective in assisting cough in individuals with spinal cord injury. However, many institutions do not use this device. The study was performed to assess use of the device and attitudes among health care providers. METHODS: We developed a questionnaire with 4 categories of questions: knowledge of the device, type of facility, clinical practice with the device, and patient and provider satisfaction. The questionnaire was mailed to members of the American Paraplegia Society. RESULTS: Eighty-six questionnaires (16%) were returned. The device was being used in 49% of the institutions. The device was most commonly used with a tracheostomy; use did not correlate with size or type of facility. Patient and provider satisfaction with the insufflator-exsufflator was high. CONCLUSIONS: The insufflator-exsufflator is used as a means of removal of secretions in approximately one half of institutions polled. Satisfaction with the device is high. (+info)
Eculizumab prevents anti-ganglioside antibody-mediated neuropathy in a murine model.
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Spontaneous recovery in idiopathic unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.
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Idiopathic unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is a rare condition that typically causes minimal symptoms, especially during exercise. Several reports indicated progressive improvement or even complete recovery to normal function of diaphragmatic paralysis that complicated various thoracic and extrathoracic conditions. In this case we describe a 57-year-old male with spontaneous recovery of idiopathic right hemidiaphragm paralysis and review reported cases of reversible diaphragmatic dysfunction. (+info)
Effects of chronic electrical stimulation on paralyzed expiratory muscles.
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