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- A Gelatinous Pleural Effusion as a Diagnostic CluePublication . Barroso, Daniela; Rego, RitaPleural effusion is a common presentation of several pathologies, and the determination of its cause is facilitated by macroscopic, biochemical, microbiological, and cellular analysis. A systematic approach to analyzing the fluid allows for a reduction in clinical diagnoses. Only a select number of diagnoses can be established definitively by thoracentesis, including effusions because of malignancy. We report the case of an 84-year-old male with a right large-volume pleural effusion with an initial diagnostic thoracocentesis demonstrating an exudate with a gelatinous appearance and exudate characteristics. The physical characteristics of the pleural effusion quickly raised the suspicion of mesothelioma, a rare tumor associated with a poor prognosis. In most diseases related to pleural effusion, fluid analysis yields important diagnostic information, and in certain cases, fluid analysis alone is enough for diagnosis. Malignant pleural mesothelioma may present as a viscous pleural effusion with gelatinous characteristics, which may immediately raise suspicion and contribute as a diagnostic clue in the initial study of a pleural effusion. This article was previously presented as a meeting abstract at the 28º Congresso Nacional de Medicina Interna in October 2022.
- Aortic Dissection With Cardiac Tamponade in Pregnancy: A Challenging Clinical ScenarioPublication . Barroso, Daniela; Santos, Sérgio; Tomás, Ana Sofia; Castro, Heloísa; Pinheiro Vieira, AntónioAortic dissection is the acute aortic syndrome with the highest mortality, and pregnancy and arterial hypertension are known risk factors. Its association with the perinatal period is a particularly unique and potentially devastating clinical catastrophe which is why the approach to a pregnant woman in cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) should be multidisciplinary and early, with extraction of the fetus ideally within five minutes after the arrest. We present the case of a 39-year-old pregnant woman, who presented with a cardiorespiratory arrest in the context of an aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade and the need for an urgent perimortem cesarean section. Increasing knowledge and understanding among healthcare professionals has the potential to aid in the early detection and effective treatment of this challenging medical issue.
- Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: A Rare Cause of Chest PainPublication . Barroso, Daniela; Rocha, Diana I.; Abelha Pereira, Filipa; Ribeiro, Rui; Pimenta Fernandes, João; Pais Monteiro, Ana; Silva, Isabel Fonseca; Gonçalves, FabienneSpontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare medical condition characterized by the presence of free air in the mediastinum, not preceded by trauma, surgery, or another medical procedure. It predominantly affects young adult males and usually has a benign course, and in most cases, it is not possible to identify the precipitating factor. There are some conditions that predispose to its occurrence, namely those that lead to an increase in intrapleural pressure, such as coughing, vomiting, or vigorous exercise. We report a case of a 21-year-old male who presented with acute-onset shortness of breath after an episode of coughing and was found to have mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological studies did not demonstrate any predisposing factor, and the case was classified as spontaneous pneumomediastinum