We describe a patient who developed bilateral pleural effusions as a delayed complication following central venous catheter insertion. Respiratory distress should not only raise the clinical suspicion of a pneumothorax but also of erosion and perforation of the central vein. The mechanism, diagnosis, management and prevention of this complication are discussed.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Intravenous or epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of postoperative pain. However, the use of opioids is not devoid of risks,and respiratory depression represents the most feared complication. The objective of the present study was to describe the incidence of respiratory depression associated with postoperativ...

In the present report the authors describe the clinical and laboratory findings of 26 tsunami victims admitted to the Phuket and the Takua Pa Hospital. Patients were classified into 4 groups of severity. class 1, baseline examination negative (n = 1); class 2, baseline examination positive but mechanical ventilation not needed on admission (n = 15); class 3, mechanical ventilation required on a...

To cite: Wang S, Jiao Y. BMJ Case Rep Published online: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/ bcr-2013-201453 DESCRIPTION A 50-year-old woman presented to our department with a 6-year history of recurrent dyspnoea and cough. Six year ago she started to have external ear and nasal pain, episcleritis and dyspnoea. She was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis (RP). Her disease was under ...

Because the lung is in constant contact with the environment, infections with respiratory viruses are a common and potentially serious complication of lung transplantation. Infection can cause direct effects, typically manifested as respiratory symptoms and changes in pulmonary function, and indirect effects, such as an enhanced risk of developing chronic allograft rejection. Infections with al...

Background. Glufosinate ammonium has a famous delayed complication as respiratory failure, however, delayed cardiogenic complication is not well known. Objectives. The aim of this study is to report a takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a delayed complication of glufosinate ammonium for suicide attempt. Case Report. A 75-year-old woman ingested about 90 mL of Basta, herbicide for suicide attempt at aro...

Background: Respiratory problems are common after long bone fractures. The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the effect of early fixation of femoral shaft fracture on the incidence of respiratory problems. Methods: The results of early and late stabilization of femoral shaft fractures were studied in 150 patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the st...

Respiratory obstruction has been reported as a complication of carotid endarterectomy; the causes include traumatic mucosal oedema, direct tracheal compression by haematoma and oedema secondary to lymphatic and venous congestion. We report four cases of acute respiratory obstruction complicating carotid endarterectomy. Two of these cases suffered respiratory arrest in the postoperative ward and...