Spinal cord ischaemic injury while playing in a playground

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. e242155
Author(s):  
Joana de Brito Chagas ◽  
Candida Cancelinha ◽  
Rui Pedro Pais ◽  
Carmen Costa
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Bladder Dysfunction ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Extensive Investigation ◽  
Imaging Diagnosis ◽  
Ischaemic Injury

Spinal cord ischaemia is a rare condition in children in which imaging diagnosis can be difficult and treatment guidelines are not well established. We describe a case of a previously healthy 13-year-old girl admitted to the emergency department with an acute flaccid paralysis of the lower limbs, abdominal and dorsal pain, and bladder dysfunction. A few hours earlier, she had been playing on a swing with hyperextension and an arched back position. Spinal cord MRI was normal in the first hours, but ischaemic signs were described in a second examination performed some hours later. We discuss the extensive investigation for differential diagnosis and the management of this case.

scholarly journals Serological screening for syphilis in non-compressive spinal injuries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Frigo Pires ◽  
Osmi Hamamoto
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Transverse Myelitis ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Intramedullary Tumors ◽  
Serological Screening ◽  
Chronic Myelopathy ◽  
Syphilis Serology

Background: Syphilis is an infectious disease that can present systemic symptoms during its progression, reaching the central nervous system, causing neurosyphilis, combined include involvement of the meninges and spinal cord. Objectives: to review information on meningomyelitis in patients with positive syphilis serology, assessing the need for serological screening for syphilis knowledge and the importance of the clinician for an accurate diagnosis, preventing major sequelae or fatalities Methods: We analyzed 14 clinical cases of syphilitic myelitis from January 2000 to January 2021. Documents were resolved to determine clinical issues, apparent symptoms, radiological findings, penal treatment and complications. Results: 85.7% suffered from chronic myelopathy and 14.3% revealed subacute transverse myelitis. The most common clinical condition of chronic myelopathy was tabes dorsalis, present in 50%, afterwards it was syphilitic meningomyelite, present in 33.3%. Conclusion: Syphilitic myelitis is a rare condition, but there are studies that prove an increase in cases of myelopathy in patients with positive syphilis serology. The condition manifests itself with weakness of the lower limbs, sensory disturbance and urinary and fecal incontinence, in addition to long spinal cord injuries and abnormal enhancement, predominantly in the superficial parts of the spinal cord, in imaging exams. There is a differential diagnosis with multiple pathologies, such as intramedullary tumors, herniated intervertebral disc, myelopathy caused by HIV, among others. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and an approach to serological screening for syphilis in patients with neurological disorders and non-compressive medical injuries.

scholarly journals Is there a right time for surgery in paraplegic patients secondary to non traumatic spinal cord compression?

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Giacomini ◽  
Roger Neves Mathias ◽  
Andrei Fernandes Joaquim ◽  
Mateus Dal Fabbro ◽  
Enrico Ghizoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Prognostic Factor ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Motor Deficit ◽  
Indication For Surgery ◽  
Sensory Deficits ◽  
Sensory Involvement ◽  
Spinal Cord Decompression

Paraplegia is a well-defined state of complete motor deficit in lower limbs, regardless of sensory involvement. The cause of paraplegia usually guides treatment, however, some controversies remain about the time and benefits for spinal cord decompression in nontraumatic paraplegic patients, especially after 48 hours of the onset of paraplegia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of spinal cord decompression in such patients. We describe three patients with paraplegia secondary to non-traumatic spinal cord compression without sensory deficits, and who were surgically treated after more than 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. All patients, even those with paraplegia during more than 48 hours, had benefits from spinal cord decompression like recovery of gait ability. The duration of paraplegia, which influences prognosis, is not a contra-indication for surgery. The preservation of sensitivity in this group of patients should be considered as a positive prognostic factor when surgery is taken into account.

The Red Legs RATED tool to improve diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis in the emergency department

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. S22-S29
Author(s):  
Gillian O'Brien ◽  
Patricia White
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Significant Burden ◽  
User Friendly

Background: Lower limb cellulitis poses a significant burden for the Irish healthcare system. Accurate diagnosis is difficult, with a lack of validated evidence-based tools and treatment guidelines, and difficulties distinguishing cellulitis from its imitators. It has been suggested that around 30% of suspected lower limb cellulitis is misdiagnosed. An audit of 132 patients between May 2017 and May 2018 identified a pattern of misdiagnosis in approximately 34% of this cohort. Objective: The aim of this pilot project was to develop a streamlined service for those presenting to the emergency department with red legs/suspected cellulitis, through introduction of the ‘Red Leg RATED’ tool for clinicians. Method: The tool was developed and introduced to emergency department clinicians. Individuals (n=24) presenting with suspected cellulitis over 4 weeks in 2018 were invited to participate in data gathering. Finally, clinician questionnaire feedback regarding the tool was evaluated. Results: Fourteen participants consented, 6 female and 8 male with mean age of 65 years. The tool identified 50% (n=7) as having cellulitis, of those 57% (n=4) required admission, 43% (n=3) were discharged. The remainder who did not have cellulitis (n=7) were discharged. Before introduction of the tool, all would typically have been admitted to hospital for further assessment and management of suspected lower limb cellulitis. Overall, 72% (n=10) of patients who initially presented with suspected cellulitis were discharged, suggesting positive impact of the tool. Clinician feedback suggested all were satisfied with the tool and contents. Conclusion: The Red Leg RATED tool is user friendly and impacts positively on diagnosis treatment and discharge. Further evaluation is warranted.

scholarly journals Acute-onset paraplegia as an unexpected complication under general anesthesia in supine position during abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Morio ◽  
Hirotsugu Miyoshi ◽  
Noboru Saeki ◽  
Yukari Toyota ◽  
Yasuo M. Tsutsumi
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
General Anesthesia ◽  
Supine Position ◽  
Spinal Cord Ischemia ◽  
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Canal Stenosis ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Aneurysm Repair

Abstract Background Acute onset paraplegia after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a rare but well-known complication. We here show a 79-year-old woman with paraplegia caused by static and dynamic spinal cord insult not by ischemia after EVAR. Case presentation The patient underwent EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurism under general anesthesia in the supine position. She had a medical history of lumbar canal stenosis. After the surgery, we recognized severe paraplegia and sensory disorder of lower limbs. Although the possibility of spinal cord ischemia was considered at that time, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed burst fracture of vertebra and compressed spinal cord. Conclusions Patients with spinal canal stenosis can cause extrinsic spinal cord injury even with weak external forces. Thus, even after EVAR, it is important to consider extrinsic factors as the cause of paraplegia.

scholarly journals Disseminated Cryptococcosis revealed by transverse myelitis in Immunocompetent patient: a case report and review of the literature

BMC Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fangfang Qu ◽  
Zhenzhen Qu ◽  
Yingqian Lv ◽  
Bo Song ◽  
Bailin Wu
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Transverse Myelitis ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Coxsackie Virus ◽  
Gadolinium Contrast ◽  
Thoracic Spinal Cord ◽  
Thoracic Spinal ◽  
Cord Injury

Abstract Background Transverse myelitis (TM) is due to inflammatory spinal cord injury with bilateral neurologic involvement, which is sensory, motor, or autonomic in nature. It may be associated with autoimmune disease, vaccination, intoxication and infections. The most common infection cause of TM is Coxsackie virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The cryptococcosis is rare. We present the case of disseminated cryptococcosis revealed by transverse myelitis in an immunocompetent 55-year-old male patient. The literature review is also stated. Case presentation The 55-year-old man suffered from gradual numbness, weakness in both lower limbs and finally paralyzed in the bed. The thoracic spine Computed tomography (CT) was normal, but multiple nodules in the lung were accidentally discovered. Thoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed diffused thoracic spinal cord thickening and extensively intramedullary T2 hyper intensity areas. Gadolinium contrast enhanced T1WI showed an intramedullary circle-enhanced nodule at 9th thoracic level. Diagnosis was made by histological examination of the bilateral lung biopsy. The patient was treated successfully with systemic amphotericin B liposome and fluconazole and intrathecal dexamethasone and amphotericin B liposome. Conclusions This is a patient with disseminated cryptococcosis involving the lung, spinal cord and adrenal glands, which is rare in the absence of immunodeficiency.

scholarly journals A Retrospective Review of Patients with Radiological Missed Fractures in an Emergency Department in Hong Kong

2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
VCH Ng ◽  
FL Lau
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Accident And Emergency ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Spinal Region ◽  
Accident And Emergency Department ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Christian Hospital

Aim To review the clinical spectrum and outcome of radiological missed fractures in the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital (UCH) in 2002. Method In UCH, radiologists report all X-Rays taken in the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) within 48 hours. The study period was from 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2002. AED notes, relevant clinical records and all X-rays of patients with suspected missed fractures as reported by radiologists were reviewed for information on clinical features, treatments and outcomes. Results A total of 286 cases of missed fractures were found. Fourteen (4.9%) involved the skull and maxillofacial region, 83 (29.0%) involved the chest region, 53 (18.5%) involved the spinal region, 72 (25.2%) involved the upper limbs and 64 (22.4%) involved the lower limbs. Of these 286 cases, 137 (47.9%) were followed up in AED, 90 (31.5%) were referred to specialist clinics for further management, 26 (9.1%) required admission to hospital for further assessment and treatment, and 33 (11.5%) defaulted follow up. Furthermore, 87 (30.4%) of these 286 missed fractures required a change in management plan: 3 missed fractures required operative intervention (internal fixation) and 84 missed fractures required some form of external immobilisation. This group of patient did not lodge any complaint or claim. Conclusion A&E doctors missed quite a number of fractures that might result in significant morbidity. However, a reporting system by radiologists within 48 hours from discharge can pick up all these missed fractures, and may prevent complaints and litigations.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: an imaging diagnosis with a significant delay

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 1943-1948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britton J. Carter ◽  
Brent D. Griffith ◽  
Lonni R. Schultz ◽  
Muwaffak M. Abdulhak ◽  
Daniel S. Newman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Imaging Diagnosis ◽  
Significant Delay ◽  
Spinal Cord Herniation ◽  
Idiopathic Spinal Cord Herniation

scholarly journals Massive Edema of the Lower Limbs in Patients after Spinal Cord Injury—One Picture, Different Diagnoses

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4219
Author(s):  
Magdalena Mackiewicz-Milewska ◽  
Małgorzata Cisowska-Adamiak ◽  
Katarzyna Sakwińska ◽  
Iwona Szymkuć-Bukowska ◽  
Iwona Głowacka-Mrotek
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Pain Sensation ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Cord Injury

Diagnosis of the cause of massive edema of the lower limbs in patients after spinal cord injury (SCI) can be difficult because of loss of pain sensation, commonly occurring in this group of patients. This paper reviews several different pathologies that can lead to lower-limb edema and the associated diagnostic difficulties. We present four cases of patients with massive edemas of lower limbs at different times after SCI undergoing treatment in the Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland. All patients had a lack of pain sensation in the lower limbs and significantly elevated levels of D-dimer. In two cases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and intramuscular hematomas (IHs) were diagnosed. IHs were probably a consequence of antithrombotic treatments implemented due to the occurrence of DVT. Heterotopic ossification (HO) was diagnosed in a third case, and, in another patient, who was hospitalized for the longest period after injury, we found humeral bone fractures. Heterotopic ossification, intramuscular haematomas, and bone fractures of the lower limb can mimic DVT. Careful observation of the edema evolution is recommended, as the onset of new symptoms may indicate a different cause of edema from that initially established.

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