By Dimity McCracken
These are images from real ICU patients.
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75yo man presented with urosepsis. After appropriate antibiotics & initial fluid resuscitation he was needing vasopressors. He had a failed insertion of R IJ CVC. Subsequently a femoral line was successfully inserted & vasopressors were started. He stabilised quickly on low dose noradrenaline.
A few hours later he became more tachycardic w dramatically increasing noradrenaline requirements. What investigation would you perform, & why?
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First CXR shows some R apical capping – a sign of haemothorax. The next investigation would be to repeat the CXR.
The attempted R IJ approach was very low in this case, & caused a vascular injury resulting in a massive haemothorax. Note the associated tension pushing the mediastinum to the left side.
Patient subsequently required intubation, insertion of 2 chest drains, & blood product resuscitation.
This did not control the bleeding, so patient went to theatres for an emergency vascular repair.
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For every procedure you perform:
-know the anatomy
-know the potential complications
-recognise a complication early – don’t be proud! Everyone has complications at some time or other!
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