Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Abstract Children presenting with a recent or active upper respiratory tract infection present a clinical dilemma for the anesthesia team. Some of these patients are getting procedures to help with…
Unstable Cervical Spine: Atlantoaxial Subluxation
Abstract The unstable cervical spine requires prompt recognition, evaluation of neurologic deficits, evaluation and treatment of systemic effects, and meticulous airway management to ensure optimal outcome from a cervical spine…
The Jehovah’s Witness Patient
Abstract Respect for patient autonomy is a predominant principle in Western medical ethics. Legal precedents strongly support the rights of patients, including pregnant patients, to refuse medical therapies, even life-saving…
Arteriovenous Malformation: Normal Perfusion Pressure Breakthrough
Abstract Although the concept of normal perfusion pressure breakthrough was first proposed nearly 4 decades ago, it continues to be relevant to the comprehensive management of patients with brain arteriovenous…
Sarcoidosis
Abstract Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease for which the etiology is unclear, that manifests noncaseating granulomas, and is usually restricted to the lungs and self-limiting. If treatment is necessary,…
Sepsis, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
Abstract Sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) are clinical syndromes that may present during the perioperative period. Their clinical manifestations may affect virtually all…
Preoperative Cardiac Intervention
Abstract Patients with a coronary stent, particularly a drug-eluting stent, are treated for 6 to 12 months with dual antiplatelet therapy. Premature discontinuation of the GIIa/IIIb inhibitor can lead to…
Preanesthetic Evaluation: False-Positive Tests
Abstract While preoperative testing can provide clinicians with important information into a patient’s suitability for a procedure, there are instances where the tests can inaccurately deliver information depending on the…
Preanesthetic Evaluation: Inadequate or Missing Test Result
Abstract For any anesthetic, the anesthesiologist must consider the patient’s medical history while assessing the likelihood that the anesthetic and procedure may lead to a detrimental outcome. Although costly, anesthesiologists…
