Masking of obstructive sleep apnoea by drug induced central sleep apnoea

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed hypnotic agents which have multiple proven neurological and respiratory side effects. However, literature is sparse with regards to the incidence and occurrence of new onset central sleep apnoea in individuals being treated with benzodiazepines for insomnia. We present a case report of a patient presenting with new onset central sleep apnoea secondary to long term usage of benzodiazepines, with resultant masking of his pre-existing obstructive sleep apnoea

Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Stomach Presenting as Dysphagia during Pregnancy

Granulocytic sarcoma also known as extramedullary myeloid sarcoma or chloroma is an uncommon manifestation of leukemia and presents as a deposit of leukemic cells outside the bone marrow. We report a case of a twenty-five-year-old pregnant woman who presented with progressive dysphagia and recurrent postprandial vomiting. Upper GI endoscopy had shown large flat laterally spread nodular lesions in the cardia and proximal body of stomach. Biopsies from the gastric lesion showed granulocytic sarcoma of the stomach. Concurrent peripheral and bone marrow picture was suggestive of acute myeloid leukemia (AML–M4). There is limited reported literature on granulocytic sarcoma of the stomach. Concurrent gastric granulocytic sarcoma involving cardia and AML in pregnancy has not been reported till date

Update on Endoscopic Management of Main Pancreatic Duct Stones in Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis

Pancreatic duct stones are a common complication during the natural course of chronic pancreatitis and often contribute to additional pain and pancreatitis. Abdominal pain, one of the major symptoms of chronic pancreatitis, is believed to be caused in part by obstruction of the pancreatic duct system (by stones or strictures) resulting in increasing intraductal pressure and parenchymal ischemia. Pancreatic stones can be managed by surgery, endoscopy, or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. In this review, updated management of pancreatic duct stones is discussed

Masking of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea by Drug Induced Central Sleep Apnoea

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed hypnotic agents which have multiple proven neurological and respiratory side effects. However, literature is sparse with regards to the incidence and occurrence of new onset central sleep apnoea in individuals being treated with benzodiazepines for insomnia. We present a Case Report of a patient presenting with new onset central sleep apnoea secondary to long term usage of benzodiazepines, with resultant masking of his pre-existing obstructive sleep apnoea

Carbon dioxide insufflation is superior to air insufflation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A randomized trial

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation has been shown to be superior to air insufflation in colonoscopy, and double balloon enteroscopy. However, the value of CO2 insufflation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not established. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of CO2 insufflation during ERCP. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients referred for ERCP at a single center were randomized to either air or CO2 insufflation during ERCP. The primary objectives were a post-ERCP abdominal pain (measured by 10 cm visual analog scale [VAS] 30 and 90 min, and 3 h and 24 h after ERCP). Secondary objectives included end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) values and procedural complications. Results: We randomized 298 patients; 149 into air group and 149 into CO2 group. The VAS score for pain was higher in the air group compared to the CO2 group at 30 min, with a median of 1 (interquartile range 1–0) versus median of 1 (interquartile range 1–0); P = 0.031 and 90 min after the procedure with a median of 0 (interquartile range 1–0) versus median of 0 (interquartile range 0–0); P = 0.006. There were no serious adverse events, and the ETCO2 was within normal limits in both groups. Conclusions: CO2 insufflation is superior to air insufflation during ERCP with regard to patient pain and discomfort and warrants wide adoption. Clinical Trials.gov registration number NCT 01321203