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Biomedical subjects

T C Chow

Publications and source records attributed to T C Chow.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[The study of anatomic factors in difficult intubations].

Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure in anesthesia which can usually be accomplished easily. However if the attempt is unexpectedly difficult the patient may be seriously at risk. If all difficult airways can be predicted confidently in the pre-operative period, anesthesiologists can plan the safest and most effective way of managing tracheal intubation. The purpose of this study was to analyze not only the incidence, anatomic factors, immediate complications and management of difficult intubation cases but also the view obtained at laryngoscope which was graded according to the Cormack's and Lehane's description. Patients who received general anesthesia with endotracheal tube within 1 year's period from November 1, 1991 to October 31, 1992 in Show Chwan Memorial Hospital were collected. All difficult intubations were performed by senior anesthesiologists. 3925 patients were intubated, 92 cases were noted to have difficult intubations and their overall incidence were 2.3%. Among the 92 patients, those with 2 anatomic factors (41 patients, 44.6%) represented the majority for patients with difficult intubations. On the other hand, the four most common anatomic factors and their incidences in order of frequency included short neck (48.9%), protruding teeth (38.0%), receding mandible (27.2%) and limited opening mouth (26.1%). According to Cormack's and Lehane's laryngoscopic grading, the results were shown respectively as follow: 4 cases (4.4%) for grade 1;2 cases (2.2%) for grade 2;82 case (89%) for grade 3 and 4 cases (4.4%) for grade 4. We also found that tachycardia/hypertension (70.7%), bleeding (37.0%) and esophageal intubation (33.7%) were the three most frequent immediate complications during difficult intubations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Humans↗

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in pregnancy using the Inoue balloon catheter.

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) using the Inoue balloon catheter was performed successfully in 2 patients with severe mitral stenosis refractory to medical treatment during pregnancy. Because of its unique design and ease of manipulation, we recommend the Inoue balloon catheter for performing PBMV in selected patients with mitral stenosis during pregnancy, as procedure and fluoroscopy times can be significantly shortened.

Adult↗

Concurrent acute myeloid leukemia and systemic mastocytosis.

A 51-year-old woman presented with concurrent systemic mastocytosis and acute myeloid leukemia associated with a clonal karyotypic anomaly of t(8;21). Cytochemical, histologic, and cytogenetic studies helped in the distinction from a recently described entity: acute myeloid leukemia with marrow basophilia. Although the leukemia responded well to aggressive chemotherapy, the mastocytosis component worsened, illustrating the inherent resistance of mastocytosis to chemotherapy.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Angiographic visualization of 'tumour vascularity' in atrial myxoma.

Nine patients with atrial myxoma in whom selective coronary arteriography had been performed were studied. The angiographic sign of 'tumour vascularity' was found to be present in three patients with highly vascularized atrial myxoma. The clinical significance of the angiographic sign is unknown although highly vascularized myxomata appear to have a greater propensity to bleeding into the tumour, resulting in an acute worsening of clinical symptoms. The angiographic sign of 'tumour vascularity' is not specific but useful to complement the diagnosis of an atrial myxoma. The indication for selective coronary arteriography in patients with atrial myxoma remains the detection of coronary artery disease, thus concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery could be planned preoperatively.

Aged↗

Acute myoglobinuria as a fatal complication of heroin addiction.

A fatal case of myoglobinuria complicating heroin addiction is described. Clinically the patient had no overt symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Pathologists should be alerted to this rare complication in heroin addicts who die of no apparent cause. The antimyoglobin immunoperoxidase technique is useful in confirming the diagnosis.

Acute Disease↗

Anticoagulation instability with life-threatening complication after dietary modification.

Anticoagulation instability due to a change in intake of vitamin K after dietary modification was observed in 2 patients on long-term oral anticoagulants. One patient developed diffuse bruises treated conservatively with fresh frozen plasma transfusion and the other had a thrombosed aortic prosthesis which required emergency operation. To prevent such complications, dietary modification especially with food rich in vitamin K should be undertaken with care in patients on long-term oral anticoagulants.

Adult↗