RESUMO
Retropharyngeal abscess is a deep neck infection, rarely reported in adults. Nevertheless, when it occurs, it is mostly in immunocompromised patients and it can have life-threatening complications such as airway obstruction. On the other hand, more insidious complications can develop, such as mediastinitis, spinal osteomyelitis, and epidural abscess which represent an emergency medical condition when the patient develops neurologic symptoms. All must be diagnosed early and treated promptly. Spinal infection is an ancient disease, yet, morbidity remains significant despite developments in surgical and radiologic methods and the discovery of antibiotics. Management frequently involves a combination of these to achieve the best results. The aim of this case report, as a research design, is to describe scientific observations that we encountered in a clinical setting, expand our knowledge, and highlight the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and managing these conditions.
RESUMO
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired damage to the brain caused by an external mechanical force and may result in temporary or long-term disability. It is a prevalent condition that highlights the need for increased awareness. Despite advances in the technology used to monitor and guide therapy, it is a difficult and complex disease process to manage. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), a complication of neurologic injury, is associated with increased mortality and worse outcomes. Decompressive craniectomy is effective in controlling ICP and is potentially lifesaving in patients who have failed medical therapy. As a long-term treatment, implanting a ventricular-peritoneal (VP) shunt is the typical neurosurgery method for treating hydrocephalus following TBI. Nevertheless, under certain circumstances, VP shunts fail and an interdisciplinary approach is essential to improve patients' outcomes. Herein, we present the case of a previously healthy young male patient who successfully underwent a surgical treatment following TBI. The aim of this case report is to share the knowledge gained at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do São João, in Portugal, regarding complications of VP shunts and how cranioplasty aided in the resolution of the problem.
RESUMO
Pneumococcal infection is still a frequent disease. It can be classified as invasive when pneumococcus is isolated in a generally sterile fluid. Pneumonia is the most common infectious source of adult invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), and several risk factors for IPD are well known. This case report presents three clinical cases of different manifestations of IPD. The two most severe cases had coinfection by SARS-CoV-2 at hospital admission.
