Tectal plate cyst-associated hydrocephalus in an adult: Case report of a rare clinical entity

Obstructive hydrocephalus in adults can result from various etiologies, including rare cystic lesions such as tectal plate cysts. To depict a unique case of a tectal plate cyst causing hydrocephalus in an adult accompanied by persistent headaches, visual disturbances, and balance problems. In a clinical context, a 43-year-old female patient presented with a 2-week history of persistent headaches, accompanied by symptoms of dizziness, visual disturbances, and impaired balance. These headaches had exhibited a daily aggravation pattern over a year and were associated with concurrent manifestations of nausea, vomiting, and diplopia. Subsequent neuroimaging through a brain computed tomography (CT) scan disclosed the presence of hydrocephalus. Consultation with a neurologist and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) yielded a diagnosis implicating a tectal plate cyst as the causative agent behind the obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient subsequently underwent surgical excision of the cyst. A follow-up assessment postoperation unveiled a marked improvement in the patient's clinical condition, characterized by the resolution of visual and gait impairments, as well as a notable reduction in the frequency and severity of headaches. This case highlights the importance of considering tectal plate cysts as an uncommon cause of hydrocephalus in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent headaches and neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment with surgical removal of the cyst can significantly improve the patient's symptoms and prevent further complications such as hydrocephalus

Epidemiology and outcomes of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in intensive care unit patients: the EUROBACT-2 international cohort study

Purpose In the critically ill, hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSI) are associated with significant mortality. Granular data are required for optimizing management, and developing guidelines and clinical trials. Methods We carried out a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) with HA-BSI treated in intensive care units (ICUs) between June 2019 and February 2021. Results 2600 patients from 333 ICUs in 52 countries were included. 78% HA-BSI were ICU-acquired. Median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 8 [IQR 5; 11] at HA-BSI diagnosis. Most frequent sources of infection included pneumonia (26.7%) and intravascular catheters (26.4%). Most frequent pathogens were Gram-negative bacteria (59.0%), predominantly Klebsiella spp. (27.9%), Acinetobacter spp. (20.3%), Escherichia coli (15.8%), and Pseudomonas spp. (14.3%). Carbapenem resistance was present in 37.8%, 84.6%, 7.4%, and 33.2%, respectively. Difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) was present in 23.5% and pan-drug resistance in 1.5%. Antimicrobial therapy was deemed adequate within 24 h for 51.5%. Antimicrobial resistance was associated with longer delays to adequate antimicrobial therapy. Source control was needed in 52.5% but not achieved in 18.2%. Mortality was 37.1%, and only 16.1% had been discharged alive from hospital by day-28. Conclusions HA-BSI was frequently caused by Gram-negative, carbapenem-resistant and DTR pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance led to delays in adequate antimicrobial therapy. Mortality was high, and at day-28 only a minority of the patients were discharged alive from the hospital. Prevention of antimicrobial resistance and focusing on adequate antimicrobial therapy and source control are important to optimize patient management and outcomes