1/5. An unusual complication of tapping a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.A case is reported describing a complication of an unsuccessful attempt to aspirate the reservoir of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system with a suspected shunt infection. This arose due to a misunderstanding of the anatomy of the shunt and resulted in an intracerebral haematoma. The complications of cerebrospinal fluid shunting and the difficulty in the diagnosis thereof are outlined. We discuss the role and method of shunt tapping in diagnosing shunt problems before reviewing the literature describing the rationale. The variation in shunt design is emphasized. Guidelines are then proposed not to dissuade physicians from tapping shunts but to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and in collaboration with neurosurgical units.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/5. Ipsilateral intracerebral hemorrhage following carotid stent-assisted angioplasty: a manifestation of hyperperfusion syndrome--a case report.A case of hyperperfusion syndrome manifested as intracerebral hemorrhage following carotid stent-assisted angioplasty while using intravenous abciximab is described. review of literature regarding hyperperfusion syndrome in patients undergoing carotid artery revascularization is presented. Possible mechanisms of hyperperfusion and the role of arterial hypertension, anticoagulation, and antiplatelet treatment in the genesis of hyperperfusion syndrome are discussed. Widening use of percutaneous carotid revascularization necessitates physicians' awareness of early recognition of this complication.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/5. Unusual presentation of factor xiii deficiency.factor xiii deficiency is a rare inherited bleeding disorder that is often difficult to diagnose. The standard screening tests are normal in these patients and their bleeding phenotype may be variable. We report the case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with an intracranial haemorrhage. Several confounding factors, such as the suspicion of an arteriovenous malformation and the development of a deep venous thrombosis, led to a delay in the diagnosis of factor xiii deficiency. Subsequently, her brother was also found to have severe factor xiii deficiency. This case highlights the importance of a detailed history and of screening families in which index cases have been identified. It should also remind physicians that bleeding disorders may have unusual presentations and should be sought when investigating unexplained bleeding.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/5. Pontine hemorrhage presenting as an isolated facial nerve palsy.We report a case of an isolated facial nerve palsy in a young, otherwise healthy man who was found to have a pontine hemorrhage on computed tomography. Pontine hemorrhage is a rare cause of facial nerve palsy and has been reported in the literature as an isolated neurologic finding in only 1 other instance. This case reminds the emergency physician to remain vigilant for alternative causes of facial nerve palsy other than "idiopathic" Bell's palsy.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/5. Acute haemorrhage into a microcystic meningioma leading to cerebral herniation.Low-grade (WHO level I) meningiomas are slow-growing, benign tumours typically presenting with unspecific symptoms (e.g. headache), seizures, cranial nerve compression and neuropsychological symptoms determined by location and size of the lesion. Haemorrhagic onset and sequelae are rare, and have been described infrequently. This is a case of a 50-year-old male presenting with signs of tentorial herniation secondary to hyperacute intratumoural haemorrhage (ITH) into a previously undiagnosed meningioma. Emergency surgical decompression and exstirpation of the lesion helped to achieve a favourable outcome. ITH has been described in all including benign intracranial neoplasms. Factors associated with a higher risk for haemorrhage in meningiomas are discussed. Though haemorrhages associated with meningiomas have been reported, ITH into low-grade meningiomas leading to herniation remains a rarity. Bearers of known lesions and their treating physicians who opt for conservative or delayed treatment should be aware of this remote complication.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |