BMJ case reports
-
There is some controversy surrounding the optimal mode of imaging in trauma patients with suspected cervical (C) spine injury. Various rules (most notably the Canadian C-spine rules and the NEXUS rules) have been designed to help reduce the need for imaging given the poor yield. ⋯ One meta-analysis showed sensitivity of 58% (39-76%) for plain radiographs and 98% for CT in identification of C-spine injuries following blunt trauma. This case report illustrates how very unstable C-spine injuries may not be apparent on plain radiographs and a degree of clinical suspicion may be required for further imaging.
-
Case Reports
The role of palliative rehabilitation in the preservation of personhood at the end of life.
Progressive advancements in the fields of medicine, oncology and palliative care have seen significant gains in the life expectancy but have also resulted in patients living longer with the burdens of cancer. It is within the sphere of end-of-life care that the role of palliative rehabilitation comes into its own in addressing the effects of increased physical and psychological morbidity that accompany many of these prognostic gains. Focusing on the cancer journey, we highlight the impact of rehabilitative measures on efforts to preserve the personhood of a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and thus maintain her dignity and quality of life and provide her with appropriate and effective holistic care at the end of life. Through employing the Ring Theory of Personhood, the critical role of the complementary aspects of palliative rehabilitation in end-of-life care is brought to the fore.
-
Chest X-ray in a 17-year-old boy, presenting with haemoptysis, revealed a radiopaque foreign body (FB) in the right lower lobe. There was no history of aspiration. CT located the needle-shaped FB in the right posterobasal lower lobe segment bronchus. ⋯ In delayed diagnosis of a tracheobronchial FB, CT scan is not only necessary to localise the FB but also to depict or rule out secondary pulmonary changes. Nevertheless, radiolucent components of a metallic FB might be invisible even in CT, leading to underestimation of its size and extension. Late diagnosis complicates removal of tracheobronchial foreign bodies and may even necessitate open surgery, including pulmonary resections.
-
Case Reports
Decreased consciousness: bilateral thalamic infarction and its relation to the artery of Percheron.
This case series highlights two patients seen in the same stroke centre presenting with unusual symptoms. They were later diagnosed with bilateral thalamic infarcts, probably related to an unusual anatomical variant. The difficulties in establishing the diagnoses due to their relative rarity and complexity could have impacted on patient outcomes.
-
A 20-year-old man presented to the neurotrauma intensive care unit following blunt head injury. MRI revealed subarachnoid haemorrhage and multiple intraparenchymal haemorrhages suggesting severe brain injury. During recovery, the patient displayed intermittent episodes of alternating hemibody spasms with decerebrate/decorticate dystonic posturing. ⋯ Intravenous hydromorphone was used for treatment, which relieved symptoms of autonomic dysregulation and dystonic posturing. PAID syndrome was diagnosed based on presentation with intermittent episodes of dystonia, autonomic dysregulation, absence of epileptiform activity and rapid response to opioid treatment. This case illustrates the clinical variability of this uncommon syndrome because alternating hemidystonia as main manifestation has not been previously described.