RÉSUMÉ
Abstract Septic arthritis is usually reported in elderly patients with other underlying medical conditions. Septic arthritis by Escherichia coli is a rare infection. We are describing the case of a 70-years old patient who presented with a suppurative fistula, limited movements of the right lower limb, and a trauma that occurred at the age of 12. Throughout this time, the fistula had been present, secreting pus. A detailed clinical investigation revealed a pyogenic infection present in the femoral epiphysis followed by an elevated sedimentation rate. After the surgical intervention, E. coli was isolated from the clinical samples, and the decision to place gentamicin beads within the surgical wound was taken. The patient was treated with antibiotics. Four months after the intervention, the suppurative fistula was completely healed. Later on, the patient was no longer interested anymore in continuing with the treatment plan. As he refused to remove the gentamicin chain beads and the hip endoprosthesis, he was subsequently referred to the primary care clinic for conservative management and follow-up. He walked with a limp wearing orthopedic shoes and not using crutches or any other type of walking-aid. Four years after the surgical intervention, the gentamicin chain beads are still within the bone. Septic arthritis caused by E. coli can remain active for decades, secreting pus and self-isolating. Prompt diagnosis, adequate surgical intervention, and antimicrobial therapy are essential for the treatment.
Resumo A artrite séptica é geralmente relatada em pacientes idosos com outras condições médicas subjacentes. Artrite séptica por Escherichia coli é uma infecção rara. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente de 70 anos que apresentou uma fístula supurativa, movimentos limitados do membro inferior direito, e um trauma ocorrido aos 12 anos de idade. Durante todo esse tempo, a fístula esteve presente, secretando pus. Uma investigação clínica detalhada revelou uma infecção piogênica presente na epífise femoral seguida de uma taxa elevada de sedimentação. Após a intervenção cirúrgica, E. coli foi isolada das amostras clínicas, e tomou-se a decisão de colocar pérolas de gentamicina dentro da ferida cirúrgica. O paciente foi tratado com antibióticos. Quatro meses após a intervenção, a fístula supurativa foi completamente curada. Mais tarde, o paciente não estava mais interessado em continuar com o plano de tratamento. Como ele se recusou a remover as pérolas da cadeia de gentamicina e a endoprótese de quadrile, ele foi posteriormente encaminhado para a clínica de atenção primária para manejo conservador e acompanhamento. Ele andava mancando usando sapatos ortopédicos, mas sem muletas ou qualquer outro tipo de dipositivo de auxílio para caminhar. Quatro anos após a intervenção cirúrgica, as pérolas da cadeia de gentamicina ainda estão inseridas no osso. A artrite séptica causada por E. coli pode ficar ativa por décadas, secretando pus e se isolando. Diagnóstico rápido, intervenção cirúrgica adequada, e terapia antimicrobiana são essenciais para o tratamento.
RÉSUMÉ
Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy is associated by radial and longitudinal contractile cardiac dysfunction. Left ventricular (LV) thrombus is a frequent finding in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The main purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) in LV thrombus formation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy by assessing their correlation. Our additional objective was to compare the relationship of average MAPSE to relations of other LV features [LV size, LV ejection fraction (EF), wall motion score index (WMSI), sphericity index-width to length ratio (w/l) of the LV] and LV thrombus development. Material and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted from October 2009 until January 2012 in 100 sinus rhythm patients with dilated cardiomyopathy without anticoagulation therapy. We excluded patients with: swallowing problems, acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation/flutter, severe systolic dysfunction, severe arterial hypertension, valvular disease, and/or mechanical valves. Results: Mean patient age was 58.1±12.7 years and 69% were men. Mean LV EF was 39.1±6.4%, while mean value of average MAPSE was 9.3±2.2mm. LV thrombus was detected in 14% of patients and its presence correlated well with: average MAPSE (r=-0.22, p=0.01), MAPSE of sepatal wall (r=-0.23, p=0.01), MAPSE of lateral wall (r=-0.2, p=0.02), MAPSE of inferior wall (r=-0.22, p=0.01), LV EF (r=-0.21, p=0.02), LV end diastolic diameter (r=0.24, p=0.008), LV end systolic diameter (r=0.31, p=0.0008), WMSI (r=0.22, p=0.01) and w/l (r=0.19, p=0.03). Conclusions: Longitudinal LV dysfunction is associated with LV thrombus formation, as average MAPSE demonstrates a negative correlation with LV thrombus, and its role is similar to LV size, LV EF, sphericity index and WMSI.