Varicella zoster meningitis in a pregnant woman with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. e236644
Author(s):  
Laura Mroue ◽  
Harpreet Brar ◽  
Bernard Gonik

We report the case of retrograde varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation presenting as aseptic meningitis without rash in a generally healthy pregnant patient. A 27-year-old nulliparous woman at 25 weeks of gestation presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of severe headache associated with nausea, photophobia and neck stiffness. After ruling out a space-occupying lesion by brain imaging, lumbar puncture was performed. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis by PCR revealed the presence of VZV, making the diagnosis of acute varicella meningitis. The patient had immunoglobulin studies consistent with a history of primary VZV infection, thus confirming reactivation of VZV rather than primary infection. The patient was treated with acyclovir for 14 days and recovered fully. Her neonate was delivered full term without any evidence of vertical transmission. This is only the second reported case of VZV meningitis in a pregnant patient in the medical literature, and the first case in the US that was reported.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Braun ◽  
Maxime Viard ◽  
Tobias Struffert ◽  
Omar AlhajOmar ◽  
Mesut Yeniguen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Superficial siderosis is a rare disease involving hemosiderin deposits on the surface of brain or spinal cord that are thought to cause clinical symptoms, which usually consist of cranial nerve dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, or myelopathy. Pseudohallucinations have been described as the patient being aware of the nonreality of hallucination-like phenomena. Data on pseudohallucinations of cerebral somatic origin are sparse. We present a case of auditory and visual pseudohallucinations due to superficial siderosis. Siderosis was diagnosed using cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging as part of the clinical routine for newly emerged psychiatric symptoms. Case presentation An 84-year-old white/european female presented to our hospital with no prior history of psychiatric or neurological disease and no history of trauma. She reported seeing things and hearing voices singing to her for some days. She was aware these phenomena were not real (pseudohallucinations). On examination, no relevant abnormalities were detected. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated ferritin. Magnetic resonance imaging with susceptibility-weighted sequences revealed diffuse superficial siderosis in several parts of the brain, among other occipital and temporal gyri. The pseudohallucinations resolved with a risperidone regime. The patient was treated with rivaroxaban because of atrial fibrillation. Potentially elevating the risk of further hemorrhage, this therapy was discontinued, and an atrial appendage occlusion device was implanted. Conclusion We report the first case of pseudohallucinations in superficial siderosis. The risk of missing this diagnosis can be reduced by applying a standardized diagnostic pathway for patients presenting with the first episode of psychiatric symptoms. Somatic and potentially treatable causes should not be missed because they might lead to unnecessary treatments, stigmatization, and legal restrictions of self-determination, especially for elderly people.


2013 ◽  
Vol 71 (9B) ◽  
pp. 649-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Antonio Livramento ◽  
Luis dos Ramos Machado

Analysis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neurological diagnosis has always been considered to be a strong point among the main complementary examinations in Brazil. The present paper reviews the main events in the history of CSF in the neurological sciences, with emphasis on the founders of several CSF schools in our country from the beginning of the 20th century to the present time.


2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-356
Author(s):  
Marianna Shvartsbeyn ◽  
Luigi Bassani ◽  
Irina Mikolaenko ◽  
Jeffrey H. Wisoff

The authors report the first case of a Wilms tumor (WT) with diffuse anaplasia metastatic to the brain in a 13-year-old girl with a history of neurofibromatosis Type 1. At presentation, the metastatic tumor had radiological features that suggested a meningioma. Histologically it was characterized by striking anaplasia and features similar to the patient's previously resected WT with diffuse anaplasia.


2013 ◽  
Vol 142 (5) ◽  
pp. 1002-1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. MAHAMUD ◽  
J. LEUNG ◽  
Y. MASUNU-FALEAFAGA ◽  
E. TESHALE ◽  
R. WILLIAMS ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThe epidemiology of varicella is believed to differ between temperate and tropical countries. We conducted a varicella seroprevalence study in elementary and college students in the US territory of American Samoa before introduction of a routine varicella vaccination programme. Sera from 515 elementary and 208 college students were tested for the presence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibodies. VZV seroprevalence increased with age from 76·0% in the 4–6 years group to 97·7% in those aged ⩾23 years. Reported history of varicella disease for elementary students was significantly associated with VZV seropositivity. The positive and negative predictive values of varicella disease history were 93·4% and 36·4%, respectively, in elementary students and 97·6% and 3·0%, respectively, in college students. VZV seroprevalence in this Pacific island appears to be similar to that in temperate countries and suggests endemic VZV circulation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cláudia Borbinha ◽  
João Pedro Marto ◽  
Sofia Calado ◽  
Miguel Viana-Baptista

Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are recognized complications of Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections, although uncommon and poorly documented. The authors report the case of a 31-year-old woman admitted with acute ischemic stroke of the right posterior cerebral artery and a history of a thoracic rash 1 month before. Aspirin and simvastatin were prescribed, but the patient suffered a stepwise deterioration the following days, with new areas of infarction on brain imaging. Despite no evidence of cardiac or large vessel embolic sources, anticoagulation was started empirically 6 days after stroke onset. One week later, symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation occurred. The diagnosis of VZV vasculopathy was then considered, and treatment with acyclovir and prednisolone was started with no further vascular events. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and digital subtraction angiography findings corroborated the diagnosis. The patient was discharged to the rehabilitation center with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 4. On the 6-month follow-up, she presented only a slight disability (mRS score 2). In conclusion, VZV vasculopathy needs to be considered in young adults with stroke. A high index of suspicion and early treatment seem to be important to minimize morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulation should probably be avoided in stroke associated with VZV vasculopathy.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Graf ◽  
Christian Hartmann ◽  
Helmar C Lehmann ◽  
Carolin Otto ◽  
Ortwin Adams ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Aseptic meningitis epidemics may pose various health care challenges. OBJECTIVE: We describe the German enterovirus meningitis epidemics in the university hospital centers of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Berlin between January 1st and December 31st, 2013. RESULTS: A total of 72 enterovirus (EV-positive) meningitis cases were detected in our multicenter cohort, corresponding to 2.1% of all EV-positive cases which were voluntarily reported within the National Enterovirussurveillance (based on investigation of patients with suspected aseptic meningitis/encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis) by physicians within this period of time. Among these 72 patients, 38 (52.8%) were echovirus-positive (18 pediatric and 20 adult cases, median age 18.5 years). At the same time, 45 aseptic meningitis cases in our cohort were excluded to be due to enteroviral infection (EV-negative). Three EV-negative patients were tested positive for varicella zoster virus (VZV) and one EV-negative patient for herpes simplex virus 2. Hospitalization was significantly longer in EV-negative cases. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. After discharge, EV-meningitis resulted in significant burden of sick leave in our pediatric cohort as parents had to care for the children at home. CONCLUSION: Voluntary disease-specific surveillance, such as provided by the National Enterovirussurveillance in our study may be a valuable tool for epidemiological research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-211
Author(s):  
OM Okolo ◽  
GM Bot ◽  
IK Onyedibe ◽  
DJ Shilong ◽  
DJ Alfin ◽  
...  

Invasive aspergillosis that involves intra-orbital and intracranial extension occurs in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 38year old farmer who had recurrent fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele and proptosis of the left eye. She presented with a history of hypertension and no other significant findings on examination. Computer tomography scan of the brain showed a left fronto-orbital uniform contrast-enhancing extra-axial lesion with thickened peripheral capsule and an associated left fronto-orbital skull defect. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show any sign of infection. Intra-operative biopsy sample showed cheesy material which on culture grew Aspergillus species that was identified further using molecular methods. Antifungal agents were used to treat the patient. The present case strongly suggests that it is possible to control intracranial aspergillosis with a combination of surgery and antifungal chemotherapy.


Author(s):  
О.А. Каплунов ◽  
К.О. Каплунов

В статье рассматриваются вопросы обоснованности и эффективности применения препарата замедленного действия (SYSADOA) при лечении больных с клинически выраженными стадиями остеоартрита коленного сустава (II-III степени по классификации Келлгрена–Лоуренса), развившимися в различном возрасте при различных коморбидных обстоятельствах. Целью исследования было оценить эффект применения Алфлутопа в составе комплексной терапии в отношении функционального статуса пораженного сустава на 4-й неделе наблюдения. В первом случае анамнестически установлено, что у больного двумя годами ранее имела место аллергическая реакция немедленного типа на повторное внутрисуставное введение дериватов гиалуроновой кислоты (ГК), а глюкокортикостероиды (ГКС) невозможно было применять ввиду риска рецидива остеомиелита. Во втором случае у пожилого мужчины с тяжелой соматической патологией (сахарный диабет 1 типа, бронхиальная астма) была диагностирована клинически выраженная стадия гонартрита (III степень по Келлгрену– Лоуренсу), применению хондропротектора предшествовали три двухнедельных курса консервативной терапии с применением дериватов ГК в комбинации с внутрисуставными ГКС, при этом значимой динамики добиться не удавалось. Наконец, в третьем случае женщине с посттравматическим гнойным гонартритом в анамнезе была противопоказана инъекционная форма ГКС, а по социально-экономическим причинам не было возможности использовать гиалуронаты. С учетом этих обстоятельств во всех рассматриваемых ситуациях использовалась комбинация НПВП + препарат замедленного действия (SYSADOA) (на старте – внутрисуставно, затем внутримышечно). В результате изучения клинической эффективности предложенной схемы терапии у пациентов с наличием артритического компонента заболевания были установлены позитивные результаты медикаментозной терапии: к концу курса терапии амплитуда движений и выраженность болевого синдрома продемонстрировали более значимые позитивные изменения, чем лабораторные данные. Учитывая невозможность применения дериватов ГК, а также ГКС, использование SYSADOA в сложных с точки зрения коморбидности случаях является ведущим компонентом эффективной комплексной консервативной терапии остеоартрита коленного сустава. The article discusses the validity and the effectiveness of the use of symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) in the treatment of patients with clinically pronounced stages of knee osteoarthritis (II-III degrees according to the Kellgren–Lawrence classification), developed at different ages under different comorbid circumstances. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the use of Alflutop as part of complex therapy in relation to the functional status of the affected joint at the 4th week of the follow-up. In the first case, it was anamnestically established that the patient had an immediate allergic reaction to repeated intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid derivatives two years earlier, and GCS (glucocorticosteroids) could not be used due to the risk of recurrence of osteomyelitis. In the second case, an elderly man with severe somatic pathology (type 1 diabetes, bronchial asthma) was diagnosed with a clinically pronounced stage of gonarthritis (grade III according to Kellgren–Lawrence), the use of SYSADOA was preceded by 3 two-week courses of conservative therapy using hyaluronic acid derivatives in combination with intra-articular corticosteroids, while significant results could not be achieved. Finally, in the third case, a man with a history of idiopathic purulent gonarthritis was contraindicated to the injectable forms of GCS, and for socio-economic reasons it was not possible to use hyaluronates. Considering these circumstances, the combination of NSAIDs + SYSADOA was used in all the above mentioned cases (at the start – intra-articular, then intramuscularly). As a result of studying the clinical effectiveness of the proposed therapy regimen in patients with the presence of an arthritic component of the disease, positive results of the drug therapy were established: by the end of the course of therapy, the amplitude of movements and the severity of the pain syndrome showed more significant positive changes vs laboratory parameters. Given the impossibility of using derivatives of HA, as well as GCS, the use of a SYSADOA in our comorbid cases is the only possible component of an effective complex conservative therapy for knee osteoarthritis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-211
Author(s):  
OM Okolo ◽  
GM Bot ◽  
IK Onyedibe ◽  
DJ Shilong ◽  
DJ Alfin ◽  
...  

Invasive aspergillosis that involves intra-orbital and intracranial extension occurs in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 38year old farmer who had recurrent fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele and proptosis of the left eye. She presented with a history of hypertension and no other significant findings on examination. Computer tomography scan of the brain showed a left fronto-orbital uniform contrast-enhancing extra-axial lesion with thickened peripheral capsule and an associated left fronto-orbital skull defect. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not show any sign of infection. Intra-operative biopsy sample showed cheesy material which on culture grew Aspergillus species that was identified further using molecular methods. Antifungal agents were used to treat the patient. The present case strongly suggests that it is possible to control intracranial aspergillosis with a combination of surgery and antifungal chemotherapy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-138
Author(s):  
Md Mahabub Morshed ◽  
AKM Ferdous Rahman ◽  
Syed Tariq Reza ◽  
Muhammad Asaduzzaman ◽  
Mohammad Selim ◽  
...  

Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acquired polyradiculo-neuropathy, often preceded by an antecedent event. It is a monophasic disease but a recurrence rate of 1–6 % is documented in a subset group of patients.Case presentation: Thirty-five-years-old female with past history of near complete recovery following Guillain-Barré syndrome 17 years back presented with acute, ascending symmetrical flaccid quadriparasis extending to bulbar muscles and respiratory compromise needing mechanical ventilation. Nerve conduction study revealed AMAN variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis done after 1 weeks during recurrent episode revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin resulting in a remarkable recovery.Conclusion: Recurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome can occur in a subset of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome even after many years of asymptomatic period. Most patients with recurrent GBS respond favourably to treatment with plasmapheresis or IVIG.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2017; 5(2): 135-138


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