Intraparenchymal hemorrhage and cerebral venous thrombosis in an adult with congenital porencephalic cyst presenting for generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Prothrombotic conditions are known risk factors for porencephalic cyst formation and cerebral vein thrombosis. Intracerebral hemorrhage is a potential complication of a cerebral vein thrombosis. Porencephaly is a risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage and cerebral vein thrombosis formation. We present the case of an adult patient with a past medical history of epilepsy and congenital porencephalic cyst with de novo mutation of the COL4A1 gene who presented for episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizure after a substantial symptom-free period. A brain CT scan showed an intracerebral hemorrhage with porencephalic cyst and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis despite negative thrombophilia work-up. A CT perfusion study, CT angiography, and brain MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The cause-and-effect relationship between porencephalic cysts, cerebral venous thrombosis, and intracerebral hemorrhage is still not clear in the literature. © 201

Spontaneous rupture of the renal calyx secondary to a vesicoureteral junction calculus

Background: Spontaneous urinary collecting system rupture is caused by increased ureteral intraluminal pressure secondary to an obstruction. Rarely, a small stone exerts high intraureteral pressure especially if it is located distally. Many management modalities with good outcomes have been implicated. Purpose: Herein, we present a case of nontraumatic rupture of the renal calyx due to a 4 mm obstructing stone at the vesicoureteral junction. Basic procedures: CT scan of abdomen and pelvis without contrast, CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast, Cystoscopy, Double–J ureter stent, Urinary Foley catheter. Main findings: The diagnosis was confirmed by CT imaging. Non-contrast enhanced CT scan of abdomen and pelvis showed obstructive calculi measuring 4 mm in the right vesicoureteral junction. Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed leakage of contrast in the perinephric space at the right major calyx with intact bilateral ureters, suggestive of calyceal rupture. The treatment involved antibiotics and double-J stenting. Principal conclusions: This case demonstrates that spontaneous calyceal rupture should be suspected in urolothiasis patients presenting for a severe pain even if the calculus is small (less than 5 mm) and the laboratory markers are normal. An immediate management is required to relief symptoms and prevent further complications. © 2019 Elsevier Inc

Complex vesicocutaneous fistula: Successful conservative management

Vesicocutaneous fistulas are rare entities that could be either congenital or acquired. The diagnosis is usually based on clinical findings and imaging modalities. While most vesicocutaneous fistulas heal spontaneously, it is important to decrease the intravesicular pressure by diverting the urine. Moreover, surgical options are present to remove the fistula. In this case report, we highlight the case of a 67-year-old male, with recurrent obstructive cystitis and colorectal adenocarcinoma who developed a vesicocutaneous fistula. Decompression of the bladder led to complete closure of the tract. © 2021 The Author(s

I drank too much and now i can't walk: A case of alcohol-induced dysautonomia

Dysautonomia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which mediates both sympathetic and parasympathetic functions of the human body. Alcohol has been established to affect the autonomic function through liver injury and accumulation of vasodilators. Alcohol can induce peripheral neurological diseases as well. This case report describes a patient who had a chronic history of alcoholism and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presenting for orthostatic hypotension and peripheral neuropathy without underlying liver disease or other endocrinopathies. Although diabetes mellitus was controlled pharmacologically and risk factors for orthostatic hypotension were managed conservatively, his symptoms did not improve which indicated an alcohol-related autonomic dysfunction, shedding light on one of long-term complications of alcoholism. © 2021 The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press

Cerebral aspergillosis presenting as a space occupying lesion in an immunocompetent individual

Cerebral aspergillosis has the tendency to occur in immunocompromised patients. Less commonly, immunocompetent individuals can be affected, with neuroimaging findings being difficult to interpret. The diagnosis necessitates imaging of the brain as well as the sinuses with biopsy and pathological confirmation. A surgical excision with aggressive antifungal agents are required for a proper management. This case report describes an immunocompetent patient with cerebral aspergillosis that presented radiologically as a suspicious mass to be diagnosed pathologically and excised surgically. © 2019 The Author

Renal agenesis associated with contralateral ectopic ureter and hydroureteronephrosis

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract such as renal agenesis and ectopic ureter have complex development. These anomalies have variable presentations and associations. In this report, we highlight the case of a young man with congenital renal agenesis presenting for a urinary tract infection. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography imaging revealed the rare association of renal agenesis with contralateral ectopic ureter and subsequent hydroureteronephrosis. A urinary tract infection can be the presenting complication of such association, and a long follow-up is needed to anticipate the management. © 202

The appropriate management of persisting pain after spine surgery: a European panel study with recommendations based on the RAND/UCLA method

Purpose: Management of patients with persisting pain after spine surgery (PPSS) shows significant variability, and there is limited evidence from clinical studies to support treatment choice in daily practice. This study aimed to develop patient-specific recommendations on the management of PPSS. Methods: Using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method (RUAM), an international panel of 6 neurosurgeons, 6 pain specialists, and 6 orthopaedic surgeons assessed the appropriateness of 4 treatment options (conservative, minimally invasive, neurostimulation, and re-operation) for 210 clinical scenarios. These scenarios were unique combinations of patient characteristics considered relevant to treatment choice. Appropriateness had to be expressed on a 9-point scale (1 = extremely inappropriate, 9 = extremely appropriate). A treatment was considered appropriate if the median score was ≥ 7 in the absence of disagreement (≥ 1/3 of ratings in each of the opposite sections 1–3 and 7–9). Results: Appropriateness outcomes showed clear and specific patterns. In 48% of the scenarios, exclusively one of the 4 treatments was appropriate. Conservative treatment was usually considered appropriate for patients without clear anatomic abnormalities and for those with new pain differing from the original symptoms. Neurostimulation was considered appropriate in the case of (predominant) neuropathic leg pain in the absence of conditions that may require surgical intervention. Re-operation could be considered for patients with recurrent disc, spinal/foraminal stenosis, or spinal instability. Conclusions: Using the RUAM, an international multidisciplinary panel established criteria for appropriate treatment choice in patients with PPSS. These may be helpful to educate physicians and to improve consistency and quality of care. Graphical abstract: These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. [Figure not available: see fulltext.