Herpes zoster ophthalmicus followed by contralateral hemiplegia

Despite adequate antiviral treatment an immuno-competent 57-year-old Asian male developed hemiplegia two months after an attack of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. He survived with significant residual neurologic sequelae. Several mechanisms have been postulated for the pathogenesis of this rare condition. There is no agreement on the best treatment; antivirals and steroids have been used with inconclusive results

Colopleural fistula: Case report and review of the literature

We report a 28-year-old woman, pregnant, at 24 weeks, with 3-day history of right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. Few hours after admission, she delivered a dead baby. She had a history of right partial hepatic lobotomy and cholecystectomy at UK on May 2004 because of multiple pyogenic liver abscesses. Chest examination revealed signs of hydrothorax on the right side. Chest X-ray showed pleural effusion on the right side. Pleural fluid was exudative with high neutrophils. Gram stain and culture showed multiple organisms. CT scan chest and abdomen with contrast, combined with barium enema, revealed right colothorax communication. Colothorax fistula was closed surgically. On the following days, the patient's symptoms resolved, and she was consequently discharged

Study of patients with heat stroke admitted to the intensive care unit of Hamad general hospital, Doha, Qatar during summer 2004

Summer shade temperatures in the State of Qatar are commonly above 40 °C making heat stroke a big problem in unacclimatized outside immigrant workers. Seven males were admitted with heatstroke to the ICU, Hamad General Hospital between 4th July and 24th August 2004. Presenting signs varied but included coma, abnormal behavior, aggression, mental confusion, fits, hypovolemic shock and respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, hy-ponatremia, elevated serum enzymes and sinus tachycardia. All developed renal insufficiency but none died and there appeared to be no residual brain or organ damage. This has been taken as a measure of the effectiveness of the treatment and management in the ICU. It is emphasized that heat stroke is a medical emergency that can result in major organ failure and death and that early recognition and correct treatment are crucial