Issue 5

Primary CNS malignant melanomas are quite rare as they account for 1% of all CNS tumors. The potential presence of spinal cord malignancies is worrisome when considering neuraxial techniques due to possible complications. Additionally, a history of cervical spine surgery is a cause of concern in airway management, especially in an obstetric patient.

Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are not common but with possible limb and life threatening complications. The present report describes a case of a large right iatrogenic subclavian artery aneurysm presenting with back pain, successfully treated with aneurysmectomy and graft interposition through a median sternotomy.

Myeloproliferative disorders are commonly associated with portal vein thrombosis, which can lead to extensive and symptomatic variceal disease due to the development of noncirrhotic portal hypertension. In severe cases, a decline in liver synthetic function may indicate the need for liver transplantation.

An 83-year-old woman was admission due to intermittent fever for 1 week. Her temperature was 38.5°C, and chest X-ray demonstrated tortuosity of aorta with calcification of aortic arch. Her blood cultures subsequently all grew Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Echocardiography revealed no vegetation.