Gastrointestinal and sensory manifestations, nutrition management, and energy-protein intake in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal and sensory manifestations (GSMs) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may affect food intake, resulting in malnutrition and poor outcomes. We characterized the impact of GSMs and oral nutrition supplementation on energy-protein intake (EPI) and hospital discharge in adult patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Patients from two hospitals were enrolled (n = 357). We recorded the presence and type of GSM at admission, estimated energy requirements (EER) and the EPI based on regular food intake (plate diagram sheets) during hospital stays. Patients not achieving 60% of their EER from food over 2 consecutive days received oral nutrition supplementation (ONS) with a high-energy-protein oral drink. RESULTS: Most patients (63.6%) presented with GSMs at admission. Anorexia was the most common manifestation (44%). Patients with anorexia or more than one GSMs were more likely to not achieve 60% EER on the first day of follow-up and to require the ONS intervention (P ≤ 0.050). Prevalence of at least one GSM was higher in patients who did not achieve hospital discharge than in patients who achieved it (74.2% vs 54.6%, P = 0.038). The patients requiring ONS (26.9%) demonstrated good adherence to the intervention (79.3%), achieved their EER during 95.7% of the supplementation time, and presented with hospital discharge rates similar to patients not requiring ONS (92.2% vs 91.9%, respectively; P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: GSM were prevalent in COVID-19 and it impaired EER attendance and patient recovery. ONS was well-tolerated, aided EER attendance, and potentially facilitated hospital discharge.

Colloid cyst of the third ventricle: imaging findings with pathologic correlation

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are benign tumors but potentially dangerous, as they frequentlyundergo undiagnosed. Despite being histologically benign, colloid cysts of the third ventricle can obstruct the foramen of Monro and produce intense hydrocephaly. These lesions are known as a major cause of sudden death, underscoring the importance of establishing diagnosis as soon as possible. Computed tomography and Magnetic Resonance are important for diagnosing these cysts. In the present case report, the authors describe the clinical, diagnostic imaging and pathological findings of a 19-year old male, with a 3 cm colloid cyst of the third ventricle. Patient died within few days following complications of obstruction of the foramen of Monro