Neonatal Cardiac Distress—A Practical Approach to Recognition,Diagnosis, and Management

The death rate among neonates with cardiovascular disease is 50 percent during the first six months, with the majority dying during the first month. With early diagnosis most of these babies could be saved. In approaching the diagnosis of cardiac distress in the newborn, it is important to remember that the types of cardiovascular disease which cause symptoms and death early in life are quite different from those in older children. Lesions such as hypoplasia of the left heart, transposition of the great arteries, endocardial fibroelastosis, pulmonary atresia, mitral atresia, tricuspid atresia and truncus arteriosus are common, not rare, causes of cardiac distress in the newborn.A classification of neonatal cardiovascular diseases into seven pathophysiological groups is presented as a basis for an effective, practical approach to the differential diagnosis of the potentially lethal lesions. This approach is simplified further since over 90 percent of babies with cardiac distress have one of three lesions: (1) Large left-to-right shunt (characterized by the presence of massive plethora on the chest roentgenogram), (2) Large right-to-left shunt (association with intense cyanosis) or (3) Severe obstruction (including hypoplasia of the left heart, which is the most common cause of death due to cardiac distress during the first week of life).     

Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease in the First Two Weeks of Life

The differential diagnosis of congenital heart disease which presents cyanosis or respiratory distress, or both, in the first two weeks of life, is difficult. Close correlation of clinical features, electrocardiogram and chest roentgenogram is most helpful. The diagnosis of congenital heart disease should lead to immediate cardiac catheterization, angiocardiography and appropriate therapy.     

Varicella Pneumonitis

Four adults had varicella pneumonitis. All developed respiratory symptoms within a week of the exanthem. Cough and/or dyspnea, cyanosis and chest pain were common. Radiological signs of disease were more marked than physical signs. A slight polymorphonuclear leukocytosis and normal sputum culture were usual. One man with mild symptoms recovered. Two women, one pregnant, had severe symptoms and died. A second man succumbed to secondary bacterial pneumonia. The lungs in fatal cases showed interstitial pneumonitis with mononuclear cell infiltrate, focal areas of necrosis, and acidophilic inclusion bodies in two cases. Patients received oxygen, antibiotics and, in one instance, corticosteroid therapy. The value of antibiotics and corticosteroid treatment is questionable. Use of gamma globulin in preventing varicella pneumonitis is mentioned and residual pulmonary changes are discussed.     

The Spectrum of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

The incidence of new cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis has remained constant, despite the decline in new cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis. This might be due to a delay in recognition, and particularly a lack of consideration of tuberculosis when the presenting symptoms are other than respiratory. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bone, joint, genitourinary tract and central nervous system (CNS) diseases.To determine factors that might delay recognition and identification, 62 patients having extrapulmonary tuberculosis during 1969-1972 at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center were studied.Three quarters of these patients had had CNS, skeletal or genitourinary tuberculosis in equal distribution or 25 percent each. CNS involvement was seen frequently in the disseminated form. Presenting symptoms were protean and not specific, such as fever, anorexia, weight loss, cough, lymphadenopathy and neurologic abnormalities. Roentgenograms of the chest were abnormal in most. When a roentgenogram of the chest suggests pulmonary tuberculosis, signs and symptoms in other body systems should suggest extrapulmonary tuberculosis. If no abnormalities are seen on a roentgenogram of the chest, however, this does not preclude the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Neither does a negative tuberculin skin test exclude the condition.Abnormal laboratory findings are common, especially in disseminated tuberculosis. These include various anemias, bone marrow disorders, hyponatremia due to inappropriate antidiuretic hormone syndrome. Analyses of pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and joint fluid usually show an exudate high in lymphocytes and occasionally low in glucose. Similar findings are seen in spinal fluid. The histological features of caseous or noncaseous granulomas are suggestive of but not specific for tuberculosis. Only culture of mycobacteria from sputum, urine, spinal fluid, pleural and other effusions and tissue biopsy specimens will yield a definitive diagnosis.Physicians must have a high index of suspicion to diagnose extrapulmonary tuberculosis, as it can resemble any disease in any organ system. Immediate therapy in the disseminated variety, sometimes even before a definite diagnosis can be made, may be lifesaving.     

Systemic dissemination of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis in an elderly woman without comorbidity: a case report

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis usually occurs in mildly immune-compromised hosts or those with underlying pulmonary disease. The radiographic pattern of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis is typically a progressive upper lobe cavitary infiltrate with pleural thickening. We report here an atypical case of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis mimicking lung cancer, which developed into a disseminated fatal disease in an older woman with no comorbidity. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital for a chest roentgenogram abnormality. Repeated fiber-optic bronchoscopy could not confirm any definite diagnosis, and she refused further examinations. Considering the roentgenogram findings and her age, she was followed-up as a suspected case of lung cancer without any treatment. Then, 10 months later, she complained of visual disturbance and was admitted to our department of ophthalmology. She was diagnosed as having endophthalmitis. After treatment with corticosteroids for 20 days, she developed acute encephalitis and died four weeks later. Autopsy revealed dissemination of Aspergillus hyphae throughout her body, including her brain. CONCLUSIONS: In older patients, even if they do not have any comorbidity, chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis should be added to the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary lesions in a chest roentgenogram.     

Fistules pulmonaires artério-veineuses

A case of multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas is reported. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a characteristic associated finding, and in this instance affected 10 members of the patient''s family over four generations. This association suggests that the pulmonary condition in its congenital form is part of a generalized vascular dysplasia. Clinically, the patient experienced increased dyspnea and fatigue but cyanosis and polycythemia were not noted. After surgical excision of the fistula with conservation of as much pulmonary tissue as possible, prompt relief of symptoms was obtained. Furthermore, angiographic studies revealed that the small fistulas in the other lung did not enlarge. The presence of multiple fistulas is not a contraindication to surgery, and such fistulas should be excised to improve the patient''s condition and prevent further complications.     

Pulmonary edema after competitive breath-hold diving

During an international breath-hold diving competition, 19 of the participating divers volunteered for the present study, aimed at elucidating possible symptoms and signs of pulmonary edema after deep dives. Measurements included dynamic spirometry and pulse oximetry, and chest auscultation was performed on those with the most severe symptoms. After deep dives (25-75 m), 12 of the divers had signs of pulmonary edema. None had any symptoms or signs after shallow pool dives. For the whole group of 19 divers, average reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1)) were -9 and -12%, respectively, after deep dives compared with after pool dives. In addition, the average reduction in arterial oxygen saturation (Sa(O(2))) was -4% after the deep dives. In six divers, respiratory symptoms (including dyspnea, cough, fatigue, substernal chest pain or discomfort, and hemoptysis) were associated with aggravated deteriorations in the physiological variables (FVC: -16%; FEV(1): -27%; Sa(O(2)): -11%). This is the first study showing reduced spirometric performance and arterial hypoxemia as consequences of deep breath-hold diving, and we suggest that the observed changes are caused by diving-induced pulmonary edema. From the results of the present study, it must be concluded that the great depths reached by these elite apnea divers are associated with a risk of pulmonary edema.     

X-ray characterization of changes of the lungs in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The results of chest x-ray were analyzed in 66 pediatric patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). X-ray signs of pneumofibrosis were revealed in 37 (56%) patients. Besides, rare pulmonary changes (emphysema, rheumatic nodules, infiltrates) were detected in the JRA patients. The absence of clinical symptoms in the presence of x-ray changes necessitates the performance of chest x-ray in JRA for early detection of the pulmonary symptoms of this disease.     

Symptoms and routine laboratory abnormalities associated with coccidioidomycosis.

To assess the relationships of various symptoms and other early findings to the diagnosis of primary coccidioidomycosis, we devised a 40-question survey that was completed by 556 college students seeking medical care for illness possibly due to Coccidioides immitis. The results of routine laboratory studies on these patients were also compiled. Of 269 who had coccidioidal antibody determinations and other diagnostic tests, coccidioidomycosis was diagnosed in 36 (13%). By logistic regression procedures, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, male gender, "red lumps on shins," recent arrival to an endemic area, acuteness of symptoms, and decreased total peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were independent factors positively associated with infection (P less than .05). Relative risk analysis indicated that 60% of patients with four or more of these factors were found to have coccidioidomycosis. Other significantly but not independently associated factors were an increased total leukocyte count, chest pain with breathing, fever, an absence of hoarseness, and an abnormal chest roentgenogram.     

Detection of Pericardial Effusion by Radioisotope Heart Scanning

A marked difference between the cardiac silhouette on the six-foot chest roentgenogram and the cardiac blood pool, determined by radioisotope scanning, has been shown to be consistent with pericardial effusion and/or thickening. It has also been observed that the cardiac blood pool is separated from the liver margin by the interposition of pericardial fluid and/or thickening. This separation was not demonstrated in the presence of a normal pericardium. To appreciate these features, 400 μc. of radioiodinated human serum albumin and 50 μc. of colloidal radiogold were used for scanning. The former outlind the blood pool and the latter demonstrated the position of the liver.     

Use of the kinetic treatment table to prevent the pulmonary complications of multiple trauma.

The kinetic treatment table (KTT) has been developed to prevent and treat complications of immobility. Because atelectasis and pneumonia may be related to immobility, we studied the effect of the KTT on the prevention and treatment of pulmonary complications in a prospective randomized study of 30 patients with severe traumatic injuries. All were receiving mechanical ventilation and were randomly assigned to treatment with a KTT or a conventional bed. Both groups received conventional medical-surgical therapy while pulmonary function, chest roentgenograms, and the presence or absence of lung infection were monitored for one week. In the patients who began the study with a clear chest roentgenogram, atelectasis and pneumonia were significantly less frequent in those treated with a KTT (P less than .05). Thus, the KTT can reduce pulmonary complications in selected patients with multiple trauma. The effect of this benefit on overall outcome is uncertain.     

Respiratory and psychiatric abnormalities in chronic symptomatic hyperventilation.

Many physicians believe that the hyperventilation syndrome is invariably associated with anxiety or undiagnosed organic disease such as asthma and pulmonary embolus, or both. Twenty one patients referred by specialist physicians with unexplained somatic symptoms and unequivocal chronic hypocapnia (resting end tidal Pco2 less than or equal to 4 kPa (30 mm Hg) on repeated occasions during prolonged measurement) were investigated. All but one complained of inability to take a satisfying breath. Standard lung function test results and chest radiographs were normal in all patients, but histamine challenge showed bronchial hyper-reactivity in two of 20 patients tested, and skin tests to common allergens were positive in three of 18. Ventilation-perfusion scanning was abnormal in a further three of 15 patients studied, with unmatched perfusion defects in two and isolated ventilation defects in one. None of the 21 had thyrotoxicosis, severe coronary heart disease, or other relevant cardiovascular abnormalities. Ten of the 21 patients were neurotic and suffered from chronic psychiatric disturbance characterised by anxiety, panic, and phobic symptoms. The remainder had no detectable psychiatric disorders but reported proportionately more somatic than anxiety symptoms. Severe hyperventilation can occur in the absence of formal psychiatric or detectable respiratory or other organic abnormalities. Asthma and pulmonary embolus must be specifically excluded.     

Communication interventriculaire avec défaillance cardiaque chez le nouveau-né et le nourrisson: Evaluation du traitement médical

Twenty-seven infants with ventricular septal defects and in cardiac failure were followed regularly under medical treatment for an average period of 17 months. The diagnosis was proved in all cases by cardiac catheterization.At the end of the follow-up period, the patients could be classified as follows: Sixteen patients showed no change in their cardiovascular status, and six had signs of pulmonary infundibular stenosis. One child had died from bronchopneumonia. Another was classified as having probable functional closure of the defect. Finally, three other children, because of failure of medical treatment, underwent banding of the pulmonary artery. One died during the operation.It is concluded that the great majority of patients with ventricular septal defects and cardiac failure can be carried successfully under medical management until the age at which corrective surgery is feasible. Palliative procedures which in themselves carry a fairly high mortality risk should be used only as a last resort.     

Clinical and Radiographic Factors Do Not Accurately Diagnose Smear-Negative Tuberculosis in HIV-infected Inpatients in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Although World Health Organization guidelines recommend clinical judgment and chest radiography for diagnosing tuberculosis in HIV-infected adults with unexplained cough and negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli, the diagnostic performance of this approach is unknown. Therefore, we sought to assess the accuracy of symptoms, physical signs, and radiographic findings for diagnosing tuberculosis in this population in a low-income country with a high incidence of tuberculosis.

Methodology

We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling consecutive HIV-infected inpatients with unexplained cough and negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Trained medical officers prospectively collected data on standard symptoms and signs of systemic respiratory illness, and two radiologists interpreted chest radiographs in a standardized fashion. We calculated positive- and negative-likelihood ratios of these factors for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (defined when mycobacterial cultures of sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were positive). We used both conventional and novel regression techniques to develop multivariable prediction models for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Principal Findings

Among 202 enrolled HIV-infected adults with negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli, 72 (36%) had culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. No single factor, including respiratory symptoms, physical findings, CD4+ T-cell count, or chest radiographic abnormalities, substantially increased or decreased the likelihood of pulmonary tuberculosis. After exhaustive testing, we were also unable to identify any combination of factors which reliably predicted bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis.

Conclusions and Significance

Clinical and radiographic criteria did not help diagnose smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients with unexplained cough in a low-income setting. Enhanced diagnostic methods for smear-negative tuberculosis are urgently needed.     

Prevalence of acute mountain sickness in the Swiss Alps.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the prevalence of symptoms and signs of acute mountain sickness of the Swiss Alps. DESIGN--A study using an interview and clinical examination in a representative population of mountaineers. Positive symptoms and signs were assigned scores to quantify the severity of acute mountain sickness. SETTING--Four huts in the Swiss Alps at 2850 m, 3050 m, 3650 m, and 4559 m. SUBJECTS--466 Climbers, mostly recreational: 47 at 2850 m, 128 at 3050 m, 82 at 3650, and 209 at 4559 m. RESULTS--In all, 117 of the subjects were entirely free of symptoms and clinical signs of acute mountain sickness; 191 had one or two symptoms and signs; and 158 had more than two. Those with more than two symptoms and signs were defined as suffering from acute mountain sickness. At 4559 m 11 climbers presented with high altitude pulmonary oedema or cerebral oedema, or both. Men and women were equally affected. The prevalence of acute mountain sickness correlated with altitude: it was 9% at 2850 m, 13% at 3050 m, 34% at 3650 m, and 53% at 4559 m. The most frequent symptoms and signs were insomnia, headache, peripheral oedema, and scanty pulmonary rales. Severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, tachypnoea, and pronounced pulmonary rales were associated with other symptoms and signs and therefore characteristic of acute mountain sickness. CONCLUSION--Acute mountain sickness is not an uncommon disease at moderately high altitude--that is, above 2800 m. Severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, tachypnoea, and pronounced pulmonary rales indicate severe acute mountain sickness, and subjects who suffer these should immediately descend to lower altitudes.     

Asymptomatic Presentation of Chronic Pulmonary Paracoccidioidomycosis: Case Report and Review

Asymptomatic presentations of chronic pulmonary paracoccidiodomycosis have been reported since 1959, usually published in case series of paracoccidiodomycosis. Incidental radiographic findings on chest roentgenogram led to diagnostic evaluation in these cases. An unusual case in a female patient is described, and 24 previously reported cases are reviewed.     

Congenital heart disease cyanotic children

Cyanosis is often the only apparent symptom of congenital heart disease for which a child is brought to a physician. Some of the more common anomalies can be diagnosed from this and other symptoms by a general practitioner. Squatting after exertion is a sign of tetralogy of Fallot; severe disability with relatively mild cyanosis may indicate pure pulmonary stenosis. A brisk, short, rasping systolic murmur is characteristic of these conditions and of tricuspid atresia. Tetralogy of Fallot is further symptomatized by a boot-shaped heart, not greatly enlarged, and right axis deviation on electrocardiograms. Typically the lung fields are clear. The author's treatment of choice is aortic-pulmonary or subclavian-pulmonary anastomosis as indicated, preferably done after the child is three years old if the condition is not so severe as to require earlier operation. Pure pulmonary stenosis, which in some cases cannot be distinguished from tetralogy of Fallot except by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography, may in more typical cases be diagnosed by convexity rather than concavity in the pulmonary segment and by differences in electrocardiograms. An expanding valvulotome is used to open the stenosed pulmonary valve, which is then dilated.A systolic murmur, a round heart and left axis deviation are usually found in tricuspid atresia. Shunt operations performed for relief of this condition may lead to later heart failure because of the devious rerouting of blood through the heart. The operations here outlined and others are statistically evaluated.     

Down syndrome associated with hypothyroidism and chronic pericardial effusion: echocardiographic follow-up

We present a 39-year-old male patient with Down syndrome who was evaluated for fatigue, palpitations and bouts of cyanosis. Physical examination showed features of trisomy-21(Down syndrome), with a slow pulse rate, distant cardiac sounds and absent apex beat. He had normal jugular venous pressure without pulsus paradoxus. The ECG showed QRS microvoltage and flattened P and T segments. The 48-hour ambulatory ECG depicted normal sinus rhythm with intermittent short PR interval without tachyarrhythmias. The chest Xray revealed cardiomegaly without pulmonary venous congestion. Although serial transthoracic echocardiographic examination demonstrated pericardial effusion with features of tamponade, there were no overt signs of clinical cardiac tamponade. Biochemically, the serum thyroxine of 3 pmol/l (normal 10 to 25) and thyroid-stimulating hormone of 160 mU/l (normal 0.20 to 4.20)) were compatible with hypothyroidism. The patient was treated with L-thyroxine sodium daily, which was gradually increased to 0.125 mg daily. Within a few months he lost weight and became more alert; furthermore, the symptoms of hypothyroidism and the pericardial effusion resolved. It can be concluded that Down syndrome may be associated with hypothyroidism and pericardial effusion. These were alleviated following hormone replacement. Regular evaluation of thyroid function tests is important in Down syndrome. (Neth Heart J 2007;15:67-70.)     

Pulmonary hypertension: the role of the electrocardiogram

A 54-year-old female was referred to our centre for further evaluation of recently established severe pulmonary hypertension. Six months prior to presentation to the cardiologist of the referring centre, the patient had first experienced exertional dyspnoea. At the time of presentation to the referring cardiologist, the patient’s ECG showed signs of an increased right heart load. Interestingly, this patient had undergone a thorough cardiac evaluation in the referring centre seven years before when she presented with severe hyperthyroidism. At that time there were no symptoms or signs of pulmonary hypertension on ECG, echocardiography, or at heart catheterisation. Thorough evaluation in cooperation with the referring centre demonstrated that this patient was suffering from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare form of pulmonary hypertension. We conclude this report with a discussion on the potential use of the ECG for the diagnosis of increased right heart load. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:250-4.)     

肺血栓栓塞症患者栓塞面积和临床特征的相关性分析

目的:分析肺血栓栓塞症患者栓塞面积和临床特征的相关性。方法:将哈尔滨医科大学附属第二医院呼吸内科2007年1月-2011年12月收治的78例肺血栓栓塞症患者作为研究对象,并根据其栓塞面积分为大面积组(38例)和小面积组(40例),观察和比较两组患者的临床症状、临床体征、危险因素分布、血气分析结果、D-二聚体水平。结果:大面积组呼吸困难、心悸、晕厥的发生率均显著高于小面积组,呼吸急促、发绀的发生率均明显高于小面积组患者,Pa O2和Pa CO2均显著低于小面积组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。半定量乳胶聚集法测定的D-二聚体值在两组之间未见明显统计学差异,免疫比浊法测定的D-二聚体值在大面积组明显高于小面积组,且具有统计学差(P0.05)。结论:(1)呼吸困难、晕厥、心悸、呼吸急促、血压下降、发绀可提示大面积肺血栓栓塞症的发生;(2)Pa O2和Pa CO2明显减低提示大面积肺栓塞可能性较大;(3)D-二聚体是否能提示肺栓塞面积大小可能与其测量方法有关,需进一步研究,但对排除肺栓塞有重要意义。