Steroid therapy for hydrocephalus due to acute cerebellitis in a child]

Severe acute inflammatory cerebellitis is a rare but life threatening disease. We report the case of a 8-year-old boy presenting with cerebellitis and acute cerebellar swelling complicated by brain stem compression and hydrocephalus. Outcome was good on steroid therapy.     

儿童迁延性及慢性腹泻病因研究进展

儿童迁延性、慢性腹泻的病程为2周至2个月或超过2个月,是一组多病因导致的临床综合征。本文对其常见病因进行了综述,常见病因包括感染、非特异性炎症性肠病、食物过敏、乳糖不耐受以及抗生素相关性腹泻、神经调节异常、免疫缺陷病、营养不良、乳糜泻、锌缺乏等。     

Acute mumps cerebellitis with abnormal findings in MRI diffusion-weighted images

In a 5-year-old boy with acute mumps cerebellitis, abnormal findings on MRI diffusion-weighted images were transient with clinical improvement. High signal intensity in the cerebellum was obvious on diffusion-weighted images, suggesting the importance of diffusion-weighted images in the early stage of cerebellitis.     

+H-proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopic findings in a patient with acute hemicerebellitis presenting without localized signs: a case report.

Acute cerebellitis (AC) is an inflammatory process involving the cerebellum. Usually, this pathology is bilateral; it is unusual to have a unilateral cerebellitis. Only seven cases of hemicerebellitis have been reported in the literature. Here, we review the literature and report the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopic (+H-MRS) findings of a case of acute hemicerebellitis in a 15-year-old girl presenting with 15 days' history of headache.     

Acute bleomycin toxicity

A case of acute pulmonary toxicity due to bleomycin leading to death in 60 hours is described in an 11-year-old male with Hodgkin's disease. This acute presentation in an immunologically comprised host caused consideration of etiologies other than drugs. Previous reports in the literature have not documented such an acute fatal course as a result of bleomycin toxicity.     

Acute cerebellitis: case report and review.

We report a case of acute cerebellitis in a 7-year-old male presenting with headache, vomiting, ataxia and life-threatening hydrocephalus requiring emergent placement of an external ventricular drain. Unlike earlier reported cases which did not provide radiographic correlation of this disease, this report documents changes in the cerebellum with serial magnetic resonance and computer tomography scans. The signs, symptoms and differential diagnosis of this rare, self-limiting condition are briefly discussed.     

Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis

Although bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common cause of interstitial lung disease in chronically intubated premature neonates, other interstitial lung disease in nonintubated infants is rare. We present a case of pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis that developed in a nonintubated, 31-week gestation infant in whom infectious etiologies had been excluded. The infant was well initially and then developed respiratory distress at 18 days of life. Radiographs at first day of life were normal, but CT and radiographic findings at 18 days of life showed severe interstitial lung disease, mimicking BPD. Lung biopsy showed pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis. This entity is not well described in the pediatric radiology literature and is important to consider, as the condition is responsive to a course of corticosteroids.     

Acute cerebellitis associated with rotavirus infection

Background

Rotavirus infection is occasionally associated with central nervous system involvement, including cerebellitis. However, the precise clinical sequelae of central nervous system disorders and the usefulness of neuroradiological examination for clinical therapies, such as steroid pulse therapy, have not been clarified.

Methods

We present a case of rotavirus cerebellitis examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and single photon emission computed tomography.

Results

MRI demonstrated abnormal intensities in the right cerebellum on fluid attenuated inversion recovery images and, much more obviously, on diffusion-weighted images, but not on T1- or T2-weighted images. Single photon emission computed tomography showed only mild hypoperfusion in the right cerebellum on the 15th day, while 4 weeks later the image showed remarkably low perfusion in the right cerebellum.

Conclusion

The findings of the reported case suggest the importance of performing radiological examinations at early phases of the disease, especially by new modalities such as diffusion weighted imaging, to make timely and appropriate therapeutic decisions.     

Pseudotumoral acute hemicerebellitis in a child

Acute cerebellitis is an inflammatory disorder usually involving both sides of the cerebellum and presenting with localized signs such as ataxia. Hemicerebellitis is extremely rare in children and may clinically and radiologically resemble a tumor. There are very few reports of hemicerebellitis needing decompressive surgery. We report a case of hemicerebellitis in a 15 year old child presenting with severe headache but no cerebellar symptoms whose brain CT revealed an ill-defined mass compressing the fourth ventricle (pseudotumoral). MRI of the posterior fossa revealed a swollen left cerebellar hemisphere, supra-tentorial hydrocephalus and tonsil herniation, without any cerebral or brain stem lesions. Due to worsening symptoms she required a decompressive craniectomy, and the biopsy revealed an inflammatory process, possibly viral. At follow-up she was asymptomatic and the MRI revealed only slight cerebellar atrophy. This case had an atypical clinical presentation and illustrates that though a self-limited evolution is expected, surgical intervention may be needed in acute cerebellitis.     

Hematologic abnormalities in children and young adults receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression following cardiothoracic transplantation

To define the incidence, course, and etiology of hematologic abnormalities in children on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, we reviewed records of 106 transplant patients (70 heart, 16 heart and lung, 20 double lung), 0-21 yr of age, who were transplanted at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1989 to 1997. Fifty-four of the 106 patients (51%) developed 65 abnormal hematologic episodes (32 anemia, nine neutropenia, nine thrombocytopenia, 15 simultaneous anemia and neutropenia with or without thrombocytopenia). Common etiologies included: infections, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, and medications. Eleven episodes (seven anemia, one neutropenia, and three simultaneous anemia and neutropenia) had unclear etiologies and process of elimination suggested an association with tacrolimus. Interventions included filgrastim (effective in 15 of 15 patients, with resolution of neutropenia in a median of 5 days) and epoetin alfa (effective in five of 16 patients, including four of four patients with anemia possibly related to tacrolimus). Five patients (two with neutropenia and three with simultaneous neutropenia and anemia) were switched to cyclosporin A (CsA); rapid resolution occurred in four of the five patients, suggesting a possible association of the hematologic abnormalities with tacrolimus. In summary, hematologic abnormalities are common in children on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Most of these hematologic abnormalities are caused by common etiologies; however, a sub-population exists where tacrolimus may be the etiologic agent. Anemia and neutropenia respond to treatment with epoetin alfa and filgrastim. After thorough investigation, a trial switch to CsA may be warranted.     

Varicella induced rhabdomyolysis

Primary varicella-zoster infection is very common during childhood and few patients develop complications. The most frequent complications are bacterial infection of the lesions, laryngitis and varicella pneumonia. In the nervous system it can produce encephalitis and especially cerebellitis. We describe a case of primary varicella-zoster induced rhabdomyolysis in a 5-year-old girl with mental retardation, microcephalia and mild diplegia who, in the context of varicella infection, presented extreme muscular weakness and prostration. Blood and urine tests showed high creatine phosphokinase concentrations and myoglobinuria. The patient received aggressive intravenous hydration. Evolution was favorable with no renal failure. Rhabdomyolysis can produce life-threatening complications such as renal failure, intravascular disseminated coagulation and hyperkaliemia. The disease can be precipitated by alcohol ingestion, compression injury and generalized seizures. Infectious etiology is less common. Few reports have been published on primary varicella-zoster induced rhabdomyolysis but, because creatine phosphokinase concentrations are not routinely performed in varicella infection, very mild cases might have been under-diagnosed. Despite its rarity, this disease should be considered in cases of infection, since early treatment with hyperhydration can prevent complications.     

Spontaneous dural sinus thrombosis in children

The clinical course of spontaneous dural sinus thrombosis in children varies from indolent to fulminant. Although many different etiologies for the development of dural sinus thrombosis have been described, a full recovery can be anticipated in most children following rehydration and the administration of systemic antibiotics. Steroids, systemic anticoagulation and intrasinus thrombolysis may be beneficial in selected patients, although the efficacy of these therapies has not been established prospectively in children. We reviewed 12 pediatric patients with spontaneous dural sinus thrombosis (1978-1998) to determine the etiology, clinical course and best treatment options. In the absence of a hypercoagulable state, pediatric patients generally recover well with rehydration and antibiotics and do not require anticoagulation.     

A Comparison of group A Streptococcus versus Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia

BACKGROUND: St reptococcus pyogenes is an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children. Further, its clinical course in comparison to pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumonia has not been previously highlighted. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of children 0-18 years of age from April 1983 to April 2005, with discharge diagnoses of invasive disease caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) (Streptococcus pyogenes), or Streptococcus pneumonia (SP) or pneumonia. Data were extracted from the charts, and a comparison of clinical characteristics between the 2 etiologies was performed. Confirmed disease required blood or pleural fluid isolates. Patients with single isolates of GAS in tracheobronchial secretions or sputum were classified as having presumed disease caused by GAS. Patients with confirmed disease due to GAS and SP were compared with respect to clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Of 103 patients with invasive GAS disease, 12 (11.6%) had confirmed GAS lobar pneumonia. In addition 7 patients had presumed GAS pneumonia. There were 54 patients with confirmed SP pneumonia. Most children who had GAS pneumonia were healthy and recovered completely. Compared with patients with confirmed SP pneumonia, those with confirmed GAS pneumonia had more frequent and larger effusions, more culture positive effusions, had prolonged fever, and had longer hospitalizations. There was not an increasing trend to GAS pneumonia over the 22-year period. There was not a predominant serotype responsible for the pneumonias. CONCLUSIONS: Lobar GAS pneumonia represents approximately 11% of all cases of invasive disease in this institution during a 22-year period. Compared with patients with SP pneumonia, it appears to cause more effusions and morbidity. The organism is also more frequently recovered from pleural fluid.     

Developmental and family effects of autism.

Autistic disorder is a developmental disorder, the course of which grows out of the interaction of a chronic brain syndrome with the changes of maturation and development and a patchwork of habilitative programs. Definitive intervention awaits better definition through neuroanatomic and neurobehavioral studies. Investigation of known etiologies, referral for and coordination of habilitative services, and ongoing partnership with the family remain the mainstays of management of this challenging disorder.     

Orbital infarction in sickle cell disease

Bone infarction is common in sickle cell disease; however, involvement of the orbit is not. Only four cases have been reported in the English literature. We describe a patient who presented with headache, proptosis and lid edema due to infarction of the sphenoid bone. The combination of radionuclide bone imaging and computed tomography (CT) of the orbit were useful in differentiating bone infarction from other etiologies of proptosis.     

Sonographic appearance of cytomegalovirus nephritis in a neonate

In adults and children increased renal cortical echogenicity on ultrasound examination is now well recognized as a feature of renal parenchymal disease due to a variety of etiologies. The degree of echogenicity appears related to the severity of the renal disease, histologically. The sonographic renal pattern of the neonate and in particular, of the premature, differs generally from that of the adult in that the renal cortex of the very young may be “normally” more echogenic than in later life. Marked cortical echogenicity however, is a sign of renal parenchymal disease even in the premature, as illustrated in the case that follows with documented cytomegalovirus nephritis.     

Severe cerebellitis following methadone poisoning

We report a 3-year-old girl with an unusual presentation of cerebellitis following ingestion of methadone. CT showed diffuse symmetrical swelling and oedema of the cerebellum resulting in compression of the fourth ventricle and hydrocephalus. The changes were confirmed on MRI with the addition of watershed injuries. These findings represent a toxic encephalopathy and have been reported in previous cases of heroin intoxication by inhalation, but rarely following opioid ingestion. The aetiology of the watershed infarcts is discussed.     

Acute hemicerebellitis in children: Case report and review of literature

Acute hemicerebellitis in childhood is an extremely rare unilateral presentation of cerebellitis mimicking a tumour. Its aetiology is unknown, although an inflammatory or postinfectious origin is presumed. Its clinical outcome is generally good and a self-limited evolution, in the absence of specific treatment, is usually expected. MRI findings can be misunderstood leading to erroneous diagnosis and invasive treatments. Clinical improvement and regression of the pathological findings in serial MRI will help differentiate acute hemicerebellitis from a neoplastic process. Surgical procedures should be performed only in case of clinical deterioration. We present a case of pseudotumoral hemicerebellitis in an eight-year-old girl, presenting with severe headache. This paper provides a review on hemicerebellitis and highlights the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic features and outcome of this entity.     

Altered mental status

Altered mental status is a sign of serious neurologic or systemic disease. The physician must rapidly assess the depth of coma and risk of intracranial hypertension, then determine the etiology and prescribe appropriate management. This is no small task, considering the variety and multitude of illnesses that may present with altered mental status. The etiologies can be broken down into structural and medical causes. The structural causes more frequently affect the brainstem centers adjacent to the ascending reticular activating system that are responsible for pupillary response and oculocephalic reflexes. Medical causes generally spare these structures. Management of structural lesions requires prompt diagnosis and neurosurgical input. Medical etiologies are protean and treatment is often supportive.     

Asymptomatic hematuria in childhood: A practical approach to evaluation

The differential diagnosis of hematuria with or without proteinuria is extensive, and isolated hematuria is a common problem in children and adolescents. Extensive evaluation is often necessary for the child presenting with macroscopic plus microscopic hematuria including nonglomerular and glomerular etiologies, while children with only isolated microscopic hematuria can generally be followed after baseline evaluation to rule out infection, hypercalciuria, familial hematuria, sickle cell disease, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (GN), and structural abnormalities (cysts, stones, obstruction, Wilms tumor). Children with the combination of hematuria and proteinuria require rapid systematic evaluation, generally including renal biopsy, except in cases where post-streptococcal GN can be clearly documented. Post-streptococcal GN occurs 7–21 days after a streptococcal infection, is associated with an acute fall in C3 levels with return to normal by approximately 8 weeks, rarely causes acute renal failure, and in children has a pattern of gradual resolution of hypertension, hematuria, and proteinuria over a course of 6–12 months.