Influenza B-induced longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and bithalamic acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Abstract: In the COVID-era, other viral pathogens, like influenza B, gain less attention in scientific reporting. However, influenza still is endemic, and rarely affects central nervous system (CNS). Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old male who presented with fever since 1 week, and developed acute ascending flaccid paralysis and urinary retention. The clinical presentation of paraparesis in combination with the inflammation proven by the lumbar puncture, and the MRI full spine, fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). In this case, it is most likely based on a post-viral Influenza type B. Additionally, the brain MRI showed a necrotizing encephalopathy bilaterally in the thalamus. Both locations of inflammatory disease were part of one auto-immune-mediated, monophasic CNS disorder: influenza-induced ADEM which is very unique, fortunately with favorable outcome

Assessment of the educational quality of lumbar puncture instruction videos on YouTube.

Abstract Background YouTube has become an important educational platform. For biomedical students the site is a primary information source for informational and instructional videos on a variety of medical topics.This study examined the educational quality of instructional lumbar puncture procedure videos on YouTube.Methods The search strings “lumbar puncture medical procedure” and “spinal tap medical procedure” were used. The first 100 videos for each search string were assessed for eligibility. Video characteristics were documented. To evaluate the popularity of the videos the Video Power Index was calculated. Four validated checklists were used for video assessment: Lumbar Puncture Assessment Tool, reliability score, Global Quality Score, Attractiveness and Understandability score.Results Lumbar puncture videos had a median ratio of 8,90 views/day, 0,04 likes/day and a video power index of 14,44, which was lower compared to other categories of instructional videos (CPR and cake baking). The mean LumPAT score was 34/55, with only three videos scoring at least 44/55, the pass ratio of this assessment. The median reliability score was 3/4, the median GQS 3/5 (moderate quality) and the median AU score 6,5/8. Significant correlations were found between the LumPAT score and the video length (p = 0,003), the GQS (p < 0,001) and the AU score (p = 0,01).Conclusions In this study, only three out of the 23 videos passed the LumPAT score. The majority of the instructional videos are not suitable for the training of health care professionals and students in performing a lumbar puncture procedure.status: publishe