Procedimiento anestésico - quirúrgico en un lactante con higrohematoma subdural / Anesthetic - surgical procedure in an infant with subdural hygrohematoma

Se describe el caso clínico de un lactante de 47 días de nacido, quien fue atendido en el Cuerpo de Guardia de Pediatría del Hospital Provincial General Docente Antonio Luaces Iraola de Ciego de Ávila, por presentar aumento de la circunferencia cefálica, irritabilidad y agitación. Los exámenes realizados mostraron signos de hipertensión endocraneana descompensada, secundaria a colección del espacio subdural izquierdo. Se eliminó el higroma subdural y la recuperación fue favorable en las primeras 36 horas; luego comenzó a convulsionar y apareció nuevamente el deterioro neurológico, por lo cual se decidió reintervenir. Se realizó inducción anestésica con tiopental sódico fentanilo y rocuronio. El paciente evolucionó sin complicaciones.

The case report of a 47 days infant is described. He was assisted in the children emergency room of Antonio Luaces Iraola Teaching General Provincial Hospital in Ciego de Ávila, due to an increase of the cephalic circumference, irritability and agitation. The exams showed signs of upset endocranial hypertension, secondary to collection of the left subdural space. The subdural hygroma was eliminated and the recovery was favorable in the first 36 hours; then a covulsion began and the neurological deterioration appeared again, reason why it was decided to operate once more. Anesthetic induction was carried out with fentanyl sodium thiopental and rocuronium. The patient had a favorable clinical course without complications.

Analysis of Scores of SCL-90 of Patients with Traumatic Subdural Effusion / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the factors affecting changes of Symptom Check List-90 （SCL-90） of patients with traumatic subdural effusion. Methods One hundred and forty-two cases of patients with traumatic subdural effusion from the Center of Forensic Identification, Wannan Medical College collected from 2007-2018 were tested with SCL-90. The differences between SCL-90 results and the national norm and the influences of gender, age, education level, the number of effusion sites and location on SCL-90 results were analyzed. Results The differences between the scores of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, terror, paranoia and psychosis factors and total mean scores in SCL-90 of traumatic subdural effusion and that of the national norm had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The differences in depression and hostility factor scores between males and females had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The differences in compulsion, anxiety and terror factor scores and total mean scores among different age groups had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The differences in hostility, paranoia and psychosis factors among patients with different degrees of education had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The differences in depression, anxiety, hostility and terror factor scores and total mean scores among single-site group, double-site group and multi-site group had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The differences in somatization, depression and anxiety factor scores and total mean scores between the right cerebral hemisphere group and the left cerebral hemisphere group and bilateral hemisphere group had statistical significance （P<0.05）. Conclusion Traumatic subdural effusion can cause certain psychological changes, which are related to the primary trauma of arachnoid tear as well as the number and location of effusion sites. Attention should be paid to the influence of the above factors during the assessment of psychological symptoms.

Symptomatic Relief of Idiopathic Infratentorial Superficial Siderosis with Maintaining Supine Position

Superficial siderosis results from the deposition of hemosiderin in subpial layers of the central nervous system following hemorrhage in subarachnoid spaces. Infratentorial superficial siderosis (ISS) presents with unique clinical features including progressive hearing loss, ataxia, and myelopathy, and the most common cause of idiopathic ISS is dural abnormality. Here we report a case of idiopathic ISS with radiological findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, whose clinical symptoms of ISS including cerebellar dysfunction improved after supine position was maintained for 2 months.

The Risk Factors of Subdural Hygroma after Decompressive Craniectomy / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Subdural effusion, also known as subdural hygroma (SDG), is a secondary complication that can occur after decompressive craniectomy (DC). However, the pathogenesis of SDG is not fully understood. It is unclear whether SDG occurrence is related to preoperative patient status or surgical technique. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for SDG after DC. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients who underwent DC from January 2016 to December 2016 at the same institution were analyzed. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological features of the patients. We divided the patients into two groups based on the occurrence of SDG after DC. The risk factors for SDG were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall SDG rate after DC was 39% (23 patients). A statistically significant association was observed between preoperative diagnosis, e.g., subdural hemorrhage (SDH; odds ratio [OR], 4.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–18.34) or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH; OR, 4.18; 95% CI, 1.07–16.32), and the occurrence of SDG after DC. Traumatic brain injury (OR, 4.91; 95% CI, 1.35–17.91) and preoperative cortical opening (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.39–16.32) were important risk factors for SDG. Several surgical techniques did not show a statistically significant association with SDG. The occurrence of SDG after DC was related to the length of hospital stay (p=0.012), but not to prognosis. CONCLUSION: After DC, SDG is not related to patients' prognosis but to the length of hospital stay. Therefore, it is necessary to study the occurrence of postoperative SDG by confirming the presence of preoperative SDH, SAH, and cortical opening.

Epidemiological Features of Patients with Subdural Hygroma in a Prospective Case Series

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) and the open pedicle screw fixation (OPSF) on thoracolumbar (TL) fracture. Methods Sixty-four adult patients with TL vertebral fractures who underwent open or percutaneous posterior short-segment transpedicular screw fixation between January of 2013 and September of 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent clinical, radiological and quality of life follow-up for at least 18 months. Results There was no significant difference in age, gender, time between injury and surgery, and preoperative percentage of anterior column height, preoperative sagittal regional Cobb angle, or kyphotic angle of fractured vertebra between these two groups (p > 0.05). There was significantly less intraoperative blood loss in the PSF (87.6 24.6 mL) than in the OPSF group (271.4 142.6 mL) (p < 0.05). The mean surgery time was 62 minutes (range 42­130 minutes) for open and 58 minutes (range 35 to 128 minutes) for percutaneous screw fixation. The surgery time was shorter in the PSF group, but with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The mean Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores after 18-months were 23.12 8.2 for the PSF and 24.12 9.2 for the OPSF group, without any statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion Both open and percutaneous screw fixations are safe and effective. The percutaneous techniques significantly reduced the intraoperative blood loss compared with the open techniques.

Objetivo Comparar a eficácia e segurança das técnicas de fixação convencional e percutânea para fraturas toracolombares. Métodos Sessenta e quatro pacientes adultos com fraturas da transição toracolombar que foram submetidos a fixação pedicular curta por técnicas aberta convencional e percutânea entre janeiro de 2013 e setembro de 2015 foram retrospectivamente avaliados. Todos foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, radiológica e de qualidade de vida com no mínimo 18 meses do seguimento. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa na idade, sexo, tempo entre o trauma e o tratamento, porcentagem da redução da altura do corpo vertebral pré-operatório, angulo de Cob sagital na região da fratura, ou ângulo de de cifose da vértebra fraturada entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Houve uma menor perda sanguínea no grupo percutâneo (87,6 24,6 mL) em comparação com a técnica convencional (271,4 142,6 mL) (p < 0,05). O tempo médio da cirurgia foi 62 minutos (42 - 130 minutos) para a técnica convencional e 58 minutos (35 - 128 minutos) para a percutânea. Apesar de mais curto na técnica percutânea, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante no tempo cirúrgico entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Em relação ao índice de incapacidade de Oswestry após 18 meses do tratamento cirúrgico, também não houve diferença significante do ponto de vista estatístico entre os dois grupos, sendo 23,12 8,2 para a técnica percutânea e 24,12 9,2 para o grupo da técnica convencional (p > 0,05). Conclusão Ambas as técnicas mostraram-se eficazes e seguras para o tratamento de fraturas da transição toracolombar. A técnica percutânea apresentou uma taxa de perda sanguínea significativamente menor em comparação à técnica aberta convencional.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Children under Age 24 Months: Analysis of Demographic Data, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Post-traumatic Seizure

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children under age 24 months has characteristic features because the brain at this age is rapidly growing and sutures are opened. Moreover, children this age are completely dependent on their parents. We analyzed the demographic data and risk factors for outcomes in TBI patients in this age group to elucidate their clinical characteristics. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiological films of children under 24 months who were admitted to Kyungpook National University Hospital from January 2004 to December 2013 for TBI. Specifically, we analyzed age, cause of injury, initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, radiological diagnosis, seizure, hydrocephalus, subdural hygroma, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score, and we divided outcomes into good (GOS 4–5) or poor (GOS 1–3). We identified the risk factors for post-traumatic seizure (PTS) and outcomes using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 60, 39 males and 21 females. Most common age group was between 0 to 5 months, and the median age was 6 months. Falls were the most common cause of injury (n=29, 48.3%); among them, 15 were falls from household furniture such as beds and chairs. Ten patients (16.7%) developed PTS, nine in one week; thirty-seven patients (61.7%) had skull fractures. Forty-eight patients had initial GCS scores of 13–15, 8 had scores of 12–8, and 4 had scored 3–7. The diagnoses were as follows: 26 acute subdural hematomas, 8 acute epidural hematomas, 7 focal contusional hemorrhages, 13 subdural hygromas, and 4 traumatic intracerebral hematomas larger than 2 cm in diameter. Among them, two patients underwent craniotomy for hematoma removal. Four patients were victims of child abuse, and all of them had PTS. Fifty-five patients improved to good-to-moderate disability. Child abuse, acute subdural hematoma, and subdural hygroma were risk factors for PTS in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis found that the salient risk factor for a poor outcome was initial GCS on admission. CONCLUSION: The most common cause of traumatic head injury in individuals aged less than 24 months was falls, especially from household furniture. Child abuse, moderate to severe TBI, acute subdural hematoma, and subdural hygroma were risk factors for PTS. Most of the patients recovered with good outcomes, and the risk factor for a poor outcome was initial mental status.

Cerebrospinal fluid infection after lumbar nerve root steroid injection: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 45-year-old woman was admitted due to severe headache and neck stiffness. She had visited a local clinic for back pain and received a lumbar nerve root steroid injection 10 days before admission. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed psoas abscess, pneumocephalus, and subdural hygroma. She was diagnosed with psoas abscess and meningitis. The abscess and external ventricle were drained, and antibiotics were administered. Unfortunately, the patient died on hospital day 19 due to diffuse leptomeningitis. Lumbar nerve root steroid injections are commonly used to control back pain. Vigilance to "red flag signs" and a rapid diagnosis can prevent lethal outcomes produced by rare and unexpected complications related to infection. Here, we report a case of fatal meningitis after infection of the cerebrospinal fluid following a lumbar nerve root steroid injection.

Hemorrhagic Rupture of Arachnoid Cyst into the Intradural Space

A 7-year-old boy, diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst and subdural effusion on initial MRI, was admitted with left limb weakness and no history of head trauma. A subsequent follow-up MRI showed different stages of hematoma within multilayered enhancing membranes and in the arachnoid cyst, which was separated by the cerebrospinal fluid cleft. Craniotomy and fenestration of the cyst wall and hematoma removal were performed. The patient was diagnosed as a having a hemorrhagic rupture of an arachnoid cyst into the intradural space, probably via some one-way valve-like defect, based on the MRI and surgical findings. The MRI features and possible mechanism of this rare disease are discussed within the literature review.

Multiloculated Hydrocephalus: Open Craniotomy or Endoscopy?

Multiloculated hydrocephalus (MLH) is a condition in which patients have multiple, separate abnormal cerebrospinal fluid collections with no communication between them. Despite technical advancements in pediatric neurosurgery, neurological outcomes are poor in these patients and the approach to this pathology remains problematic especially given individual anatomic complexity and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics. A uniform surgical strategy has not yet been developed. Current treatment options for MLH are microsurgical fenestration of separate compartments by open craniotomy or endoscopy, shunt surgery in which multiple catheters are placed in the compartments, and combinations of these modalities. Craniotomy for fenestration allows better visualization of the compartments and membranes, and it can offer easy fenestration or excision of membranes and wide communication of cystic compartments. Hemostasis is more easily achieved. However, because of profound loss of CSF during surgery, open craniotomy is associated with an increased chance of subdural hygroma and/or hematoma collection and shunt malfunction. Endoscopy has advantages such as minimal invasiveness, avoidance of brain retraction, less blood loss, faster operation time, and shorter hospital stay. Disadvantages are also similar to those of open craniotomy. Intraoperative bleeding can usually be easily managed by irrigation or coagulation. However, handling of significant intraoperative bleeding is not as easy. Currently, endoscopic fenestration tends to be performed more often as initial treatment and open craniotomy may be useful in patients requiring repeated endoscopic procedures.

Remote Hemorrhage after Burr Hole Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma / 대한신경손상학회지

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) and symptomatic subdural hygroma are common diseases that require neurosurgical management. Burr hole trephination is the most popular surgical treatment for CSDH and subdural hygroma because of a low recurrence rate and low morbidity compared with craniotomy with membranectomy, and twist-drill craniotomy. Many reports suggest that placing a catheter in the subdural space for drainage can further reduce the rate of recurrence; however, complications associated with this type of drainage include acute subdural hematoma, cortical injury, and infection. Remote hemorrhage due to overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is another possible complication of burr hole trephination with catheter drainage that has rarely been reported. Here, we present 2 cases of remote hemorrhages following burr hole trephination with catheter drainage for the treatment of CSDH and symptomatic subdural hygroma. One patient developed intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage in the contralateral hemisphere, while another patient developed remote hemorrhage 3 days after the procedure due to the sudden drainage of a large amount of subdural fluid over a 24-hour period. These findings suggest that catheter drainage should be carefully monitored to avoid overdrainage of CSF after burr hole trephination.

Analysis of Risk Factor for the Development of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Patients with Traumatic Subdural Hygroma

OBJECTIVE: Although a high incidence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following traumatic subdural hygroma (SDG) has been reported, no study has evaluated risk factors for the development of CSDH. Therefore, we analyzed the risk factors contributing to formation of CSDH in patients with traumatic SDG. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to Hallym University Hospital with traumatic head injury from January 2004 through December 2013. A total of 45 patients with these injuries in which traumatic SDG developed during the follow-up period were analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups based on the development of CSDH, and the associations between the development of CSDH and independent variables were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients suffered from bilateral SDG, whereas 14 had unilateral SDG. Follow-up computed tomography scans revealed regression of SDG in 25 of 45 patients (55.6%), but the remaining 20 patients (44.4%) suffered from transition to CSDH. Eight patients developed bilateral CSDH, and 12 patients developed unilateral CSDH. Hemorrhage-free survival rates were significantly lower in the male and bilateral SDG group (log-rank test; p=0.043 and p=0.013, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed male (OR, 7.68; 95% CI 1.18–49.78; p=0.033) and bilateral SDG (OR, 8.04; 95% CI 1.41–45.7; p=0.019) were significant risk factors for development of CSDH. CONCLUSION: The potential to evolve into CSDH should be considered in patients with traumatic SDG, particularly male patients with bilateral SDG.

Chronic Subdural Hematoma in the Aged, Trauma or Degeneration?

Chronic subdural hematomas (CSHs) are generally regarded to be a traumatic lesion. It was regarded as a stroke in 17th century, an inflammatory disease in 19th century. From 20th century, it became a traumatic lesion. CSH frequently occur after a trauma, however, it cannot occur when there is no enough subdural space even after a severe head injury. CSH may occur without trauma, when there is sufficient subdural space. The author tried to investigate trends in the causation of CSH. By a review of literature, the author suggested a different view on the causation of CSH. CSH usually originated from either a subdural hygroma or an acute subdural hematoma. Development of CSH starts from the separation of the dural border cell (DBC) layer, which induces proliferation of DBCs with production of neomembrane. Capillaries will follow along the neomembrane. Hemorrhage would occur into the subdural fluid either by tearing of bridge veins or repeated microhemorrhage from the neomembrane. That is the mechanism of hematoma enlargement. Trauma or bleeding tendency may precipitate development of CSH, however, it cannot lead CSH, if there is no sufficient subdural space. The key determinant for development of CSH is a sufficient subdural space, in other words, brain atrophy. The most common and universal cause of brain atrophy is the aging. Modifying Virchow's description, CSH is sometimes traumatic, but most often caused by degeneration of the brain. Now, it is reasonable that degeneration of brain might play pivotal role in development of CSH in the aged persons.

Neonatal invasive Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus infection with delayed central nervous system complications / 소아과

Group D streptococci are known to cause newborn septicemia and meningitis, but the Streptococcus bovis group strains rarely cause serious neonatal infections in Korea. Central nervous system (CNS) complications of neonatal S. bovis group infection have rarely been reported. In adults, S. bovis group strains cause bacteremia and endocarditis, and are associated with gastrointestinal malignancy. However, only a few studies have reported meningitis and septicemia in infants. Here, we describe a case of bacteremia and meningitis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus with a delayed CNS complication in an infant. A 28-day-old male infant was admitted to the hospital with a 1-day history of fever. Cultures of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine showed the presence of S. bovis group strain-S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. He was discharged after 21 days of intravenous ampicillin and cefotaxime administration. Two weeks later, he was readmitted with a fever and short episodes of tonic-clonic movements. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed marked bilateral frontal subdural effusion. He was discharged after 31 days of antibiotic therapy, and no neurological sequelae were observed at the 9-month follow-up. In conclusion, we present a rare case of neonatal S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus infection causing urinary tract infection, septicemia, meningitis, and delayed CNS complications. This case emphasizes the need for physicians to be aware of S. bovis infection in infants.

Comparision between Brain Atrophy and Subdural Volume to Predict Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Volumetric CT Imaging Analysis / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Brain atrophy and subdural hygroma were well known factors that enlarge the subdural space, which induced formation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Thus, we identified the subdural volume that could be used to predict the rate of future CSDH after head trauma using a computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis. METHODS: A single institution case-control study was conducted involving 1,186 patients who visited our hospital after head trauma from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. Fifty-one patients with delayed CSDH were identified, and 50 patients with age and sex matched for control. Intracranial volume (ICV), the brain parenchyme, and the subdural space were segmented using CT image-based software. To adjust for variations in head size, volume ratios were assessed as a percentage of ICV [brain volume index (BVI), subdural volume index (SVI)]. The maximum depth of the subdural space on both sides was used to estimate the SVI. RESULTS: Before adjusting for cranium size, brain volume tended to be smaller, and subdural space volume was significantly larger in the CSDH group (p=0.138, p=0.021, respectively). The BVI and SVI were significantly different (p=0.003, p=0.001, respectively). SVI [area under the curve (AUC), 77.3%; p=0.008] was a more reliable technique for predicting CSDH than BVI (AUC, 68.1%; p=0.001). Bilateral subdural depth (sum of subdural depth on both sides) increased linearly with SVI (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Subdural space volume was significantly larger in CSDH groups. SVI was a more reliable technique for predicting CSDH. Bilateral subdural depth was useful to measure SVI.

Incomplete Kawasaki Disease in a 5-Month-Old Girl Associated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis and Epidural Fluid Collection

Cases of incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD), wherein the patient does not fulfill the full diagnostic criteria for KD, are often detected in infants younger than 6 months of age. The clinical manifestations in infants with incomplete KD may resemble other infectious diseases, including meningitis. For this reason, clinicians may have difficulty differentiating incomplete KD from other infectious diseases in this population. Various neurological features are associated with KD, including aseptic meningitis, subdural effusion, facial nerve palsy, cerebral infarction, encephalopathy, and reversible corpus callosum splenial lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. We report a case of a 5-month-old girl with incomplete KD, associated with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and an epidural fluid collection. Echocardiography indicated dilatation of the main coronary arteries. The girl made a complete recovery, with resolution of both the epidural fluid collection and coronary artery aneurysms. In this case, the child is well, and showed normal developmental milestones at the 7-month follow-up.

The Risk Factors for Hydrocephalus and Subdural Hygroma after Decompressive Craniectomy in Head Injured Patients

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate 1) the risk factors for hydrocephalus and subdural hygroma (SDG) occurring after decompressive craniectomy (DC), and 2) the association between the type of SDG and hydrocephalus. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological features of 92 patients who underwent DC procedures after severe head injuries. The risk factors for developing post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) and SDG were analyzed. Types of SDGs were classified according to location and their relationship with hydrocephalus was investigated. RESULTS: Ultimately, 26.09% (24/92) of these patients developed PTH. In the univariate analyses, hydrocephalus was statically associated with large bone flap diameter, large craniectomy area, bilateral craniectomy, intraventricular hemorrhage, contralateral or interhemisheric SDGs, and delayed cranioplasty. However, in the multivariate analysis, only large craniectomy area (adjusted OR=4.66; p=0.0239) and contralateral SDG (adjusted OR=6.62; p=0.0105) were significant independent risk factors for developing hydrocephalus after DC. The incidence of overall SDGs after DC was 55.43% (51/92). Subgroup analysis results were separated by SDG types. Statistically significant associations between hydrocephalus were found in multivariate analysis in the contralateral (adjusted OR=5.58; p=0.0074) and interhemispheric (adjusted OR=17.63; p=0.0113) types. CONCLUSION: For patients who are subjected to DC following severe head trauma, hydrocephalus is associated with a large craniectomy area and contralateral SDG. For SDGs after DC that occur on the interhemispherical or controlateral side of the craniectomy, careful follow-up monitoring for the potential progression into hydrocephalus is needed.

Arachnoid Membrane Suturing for Prevention of Subdural Fluid Collection in Extracranial-intracranial Bypass Surgery

OBJECTIVE: Water-tight closure of the dura in extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is impossible because the superficial temporal artery (STA) must run through the dural defect. Consequently, subdural hygroma and subcutaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection frequently occur postoperatively. To reduce these complications, we prospectively performed suturing of the arachnoid membrane after STA-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) and evaluated the clinical usefulness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between Mar. 2005 and Oct. 2010, extracranial-intracranial arterial bypass (EIAB) with/without encephalo-myo-synangiosis was performed in 88 cases (male : female = 53 : 35). As a control group, 51 patients (57 sides) underwent conventional bypass surgery without closure of the arachnoid membrane. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was performed twice in three days and seven days later, respectively, for evaluation of the presence of subdural fluid collection and other mass lesions. RESULTS: The surgical result was excellent, with no newly developing ischemic event until recent follow-up. The additional time needed for arachnoid suture was five to ten minutes, when three to eight sutures were required. Post-operative subdural fluid collection was not seen on follow-up computed tomography scans in all patients. CONCLUSION: Arachnoid suturing is simple, safe, and effective for prevention of subdural fluid collection in EC-IC bypass surgery, especially the vulnerable ischemic hemisphere.

A Clinical Study of Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis in Daejeon and Chungcheong area : 2006-2010

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the causative organisms, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of pediatric patients with bacterial meningitis in Daejeon and Chungcheong area, occurred from 2006 to 2010. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients aged between 1 month and 15 years, diagnosed with bacterial meningitis at 8 university or general hospitals in Daejeon and Chungcheong area. The bacterial meningitis was defined by isolation of organism from cerebrospinal fluid(CSF). The data was collected from January 2006 to December 2010, and analyzed including patient's demographics, causative organisms, clinical presentation, laboratory findings and complications. RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 24 patients were diagnosed with CSF culture-proven bacterial meningitis. The most common causative organism was Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae, 37.5%), and the others were group B streptococcus (GBS, 20.8%), Escherichia coli (E. coli, 16.7%), Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis, 8.3%), Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae, 4.2%), respectively. They initially complained of fever (95.8%), vomiting (83.3%), anorexia (45.8%), seizure (29.2%), headache (20.8%). The leukocyte counts exceeding 1,000/mm3 in CSF was observed in 14 patients (58.3%). In 15 patients (62.5%), the glucose concentration in CSF was less than 50 mg/dL, 18 patients showed that the protein concentration in CSF was more than 100 mg/dL. Long-term neurologic sequelae were observed in 4 patients (16.7%) and described as hearing disturbance (2 patients), hemiparesis (1 patient) and endocrine dysfunction (1 patient). Ten patients (41.7%) showed abnormal neuroradiologic findings and the most common abnormalities was subdural effusion (25.0%). CONCLUSION: Compared to the previous study performed between 2001 and 2005, S. pneumonia continued to be the leading cause of the pediatric bacterial meningitis in Daejeon and Chungcheong area. The frequency of pneumococcal meningitis was not decreased, despite of the introduction of conjugated pneumococcal vaccination. On the other hand, H. influenzae meningitis was notably decreased.

The Clinical Course of Subdural Hygroma with Head Injury / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic subdural hygroma (T-SDG) has been generally treated using conservative management rather than surgical methods. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical course of T-SDG with radiologic studies. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among patients diagnosed with T-SDG from January 2011 to December 2011. The patients were categorized into two groups. Group A has the widest width of T-SDG below 8 mm, Group B more than 8 mm. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were carried out in both groups. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were confirmed with T-SDG and were grouped as follows: 44 patients in Group A and 30 patients in Group B. There was no significant difference in age and sex ratio between group A and B. It took more time to resolve T-SDG in Group B (95.2+/-86.4 days) than Group A (14.4+/-6.7)(p<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) between the groups. In 10 patients of Group B, T-SDG developed into chronic subdural hematoma and one of these patients underwent surgery. CONCLUSION: Most T-SDGs were resolved after some period in this study. Surgery does not seem to be necessary in resolving T-SDG.

The Clinical Course of Subdural Hygroma with Head Injury / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic subdural hygroma (T-SDG) has been generally treated using conservative management rather than surgical methods. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical course of T-SDG with radiologic studies. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among patients diagnosed with T-SDG from January 2011 to December 2011. The patients were categorized into two groups. Group A has the widest width of T-SDG below 8 mm, Group B more than 8 mm. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were carried out in both groups. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were confirmed with T-SDG and were grouped as follows: 44 patients in Group A and 30 patients in Group B. There was no significant difference in age and sex ratio between group A and B. It took more time to resolve T-SDG in Group B (95.2+/-86.4 days) than Group A (14.4+/-6.7)(p<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) between the groups. In 10 patients of Group B, T-SDG developed into chronic subdural hematoma and one of these patients underwent surgery. CONCLUSION: Most T-SDGs were resolved after some period in this study. Surgery does not seem to be necessary in resolving T-SDG.