Cerebellopontine angle subdural empyema in a 2-years old patient with bilateral mastoiditis - a life-threatening condition: Case presentation and review of literature

Infratentorial subdural empyema is a life-threatening condition, the common source being an ear infection. We present a 2-year old boy treated for bilateral mastoiditis, with infratentorial- left cerebellopontine angle subdural empyema. Clinical presentation encompassed a systemic febrile illness, headaches, and a stiff neck. Empyema was diagnosed with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was successfully treated with surgery and appropriate antibiotics. Empyema should be considered in patients with ENT infection associated with neurological signs that suggest a posterior fossa lesion

Intracranian arahnoid cysts in children (ACs)

Intracranial arachnoid cysts (ACs) represent an extremely common condition in pediatric pathology. With the development of CT Scan and especially MRI these cysts could be find more constantly. ACs are congenital lesions with maximum frequency in middle cranial fossa, followed by supraselar aria , ponto-cerebelar angle and cranial posterior fossa. These cysts are often incidentally uncovered during a routine neuroimaging investigations for cranio-cerebral trauma or other diseases. The authors present a series of 317 cases in children with ACs over a period of 10 years. The authors avocate over the MRI evaluation of Acs and refering to therapeutic approach it is recomanded only in compresive forms with focal neurologica sings or seizures. Are rewiewed therapeutical procedures as: microsurgical fenestration with cystwall excision, endoscopic approach, stereotaxic suction, cyst shunting by cysto-peritoneal procedures. A number of cases remain under observation the surgical treatment beeing unnecesary. The surgical treatment must be carfuly chosen, there is non therapeutical priority. It remains that improved neuroendoscopic methods to improve operator prognosis in Acs

Young children at risk of digital disadvantage

It is increasingly apparent that children who engage with digital technologies under certain conditions and in specific ways demonstrate numerous cognitive, emotional, and social advantages. Conversely, children who do not have access to emerging technologies or those who engage with technology in unhealthy ways are digitally disadvantaged. For example, children who play video games for extended periods of time and those who use the internet to isolate rather than network are at risk of social and emotional problems. The Ecological Techno-Subsystem and Techno-Microsystem provide a comprehensive conceptual framework by which to organize and interpret the large body of research on the developmental consequences of technology use during the early years of life. Such a theoretical and evidence-based foundation provides for specific interventions aimed at minimizing early childhood digital disadvantage. For example, public library internet access programs focused on promoting digital information, communication, and recreation literacy may be specifically directed toward young children residing in disadvantaged communities