Hypoglossal nerve paralysis in a child after a dental procedure

Unilateral palsy of the hypoglossal nerve is a rare complication of orthodontic procedures. The main reported causes of HNP are: orthopedic and otorhinolaryngology surgical interventions, and in particular maneuvers involving compression or overstretching of the hypoglossal nerve, dental procedures and traumas, and also infections, motoneuron disorders, tumors, vascular diseases. Diagnosis is usually performed by electrophysiology studies (EMG-VCN), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to exclude other causes. The prognosis depends on the location and extension of the damage. Currently there is not a standardized treatment approach except the speech therapy, although, in some cases, the high-dose steroid treatment could be useful. We describe the case of a ten-year-old female, who was admitted in our Unit after a deviation of the tongue associated with dysarthria and dysphagia, occurred after the application of a mobile orthodontic device.     

Transient hemiparesis caused by spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH) is rare and can result in various clinical phenotypes. Transient focal neurological symptoms, which have not yet been reported on, can result in overlooking this differential diagnosis in patients presenting with passing neurological deficits and assuming the diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack. Therefore, a thorough documentation of patient history is of importance, since this can reveal symptoms suggestive of a different etiology. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old female who was admitted with a hemiparesis without cortical or cranial neurological abnormalities. When asked for preceding symptoms like headache or neck ache she mentioned interscapular pain. Imaging of the cervical spine showed an epidural hematoma. Symptoms resolved spontaneously over 24?h without surgical intervention. Our case illustrates the variation in the clinical presentation of SCEH which can result in transient symptoms, even without surgical intervention. Therefore, in patients with transient focal neurological deficits this diagnosis should be included in the differential, particularly when cortical and cranial signs are lacking.     

A patient with brucellar cervical spondylodiscitis complicated by epidural abscess

Brucellar cervical spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess are serious medical conditions that can cause permanent neurological deficits. Fortunately, they are rare. We report a 34-year-old male patient, complaining of fever and neck pain and stiffness, with increased deep tendon reflexes. A lumbar puncture was normal. Brucella species organisms were isolated from blood cultures, and the Rose-Bengal test and the standard tube agglutination (STA) test were positive. The diagnosis was made on MRI. The patient was treated with doxycycline and rifampin daily for 16 weeks. On day 51 of treatment, the patient had no symptoms and his physical and neurological examinations were normal. His repeat cervical MRI was almost normal. The STA test was negative at week 20. It is important to consider brucellar cervical spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess in endemic regions.     

Surviving common carotid rupture caused by a cervical abscess

Case Report: This article describes the events preceding and following the rupture of the right common carotid artery caused by a cervical abcess. Stent grafting resulted in a good outcome.     

Syrinx formation secondary to cervical epidural abscess]

We report a patient with syrinx formation secondary to cervical epidural abscess, cervical spondylitis, cervical discitis and meningitis. A 53-year-old woman developed sudden fever, headache and neck pain. On admission, neurological evaluation showed limitation of cervical motion, meningeal irritation, and exaggerated muscle stretch reflexes in all four extremities. Cerebrospinal fluid cell count was 832/mm3 and protein was 771 mg/dl. Bacterial culture of the cerebrospinal fluid showed Staphylococcus aureus. A cervical MRI scan with Gd-enhancement revealed focal high intensity signal in the T2-weighted and FLAIR images, at the anterior meninges of the C3-8 segments, the vertebral bodies of C5-6 and the intervertebral disks of C5-6 segment. Her diagnosis was cervical epidural abscess, cervical spondylitis, cervical discitis and meningitis. Antibiotics and steroids improved her symptoms. Six weeks after the onset of symptoms, a cervical MRI scan showed narrowing and synarthrosis in the intervertebral space between C5 and C6. MRI and myelo CT scans demonstrated a newly-formed syrinx from C3-C 7. This was an interesting case of syrinx formation secondary to cervical epidural abscess.     

Anterior cervical spinal epidural abscess in an infant

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is rare in children, especially in newborns and infants, groups in which only very few cases have been reported. Because of the nonspecificity of presenting symptoms in children the diagnosis may be delayed, resulting in major permanent neurological deficits. In this paper, we report a case of cervical SEA in a 6-week-old infant who initially presented with fever and developed quadriparesis 19 days prior to admission. After emergency anterior decompression of the abscess the neurological function was improved immediately. Five months after surgery the neurological status was normal, an MR study showing disappearance of the epidural abscess and spinal cord indentation, and progressive fusion of the C3, C4 and C5 vertebral bodies. Anterior decompression without bone graft can provide an excellent prognosis in case of an anterior cervical SEA in infants. Received: 9 June 1998 Revised: 27 July 1998     

Diaphragm paralysis caused by transverse cervical artery compression of the phrenic nerve: the Red Cross syndrome

Background

The etiology of diaphragm paralysis is often elusive unless an iatrogenic or traumatic injury to the phrenic nerve can be clearly implicated. Until recently, there has been little interest in the pathophysiology of diaphragm paralysis since few treatment options existed.

Methods

We present three cases of symptomatic diaphragm paralysis in which a clear clinico-pathologic diagnosis could be identified, specifically a vascular compression of the phrenic nerve in the neck caused by a tortuous or adherent transverse cervical artery.

Results

In two patients the vascular compression followed a preceding traction injury, whereas in one patient an inter-scalene nerve block had been performed. Following vascular decompression, all three patients regained diaphragmatic motion on fluoroscopic chest radiographs, and experienced a resolution of respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion

We suggest that vascular compression of the phrenic nerve in the neck may occur following traumatic or iatrogenic injuries, and result in symptomatic diaphragm paralysis.     

A case of acute cervical epidural abscess]

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition with potentially devastating consequences and more aggressive diseases than previously recognized. We report a case with cervical epidural abscess treated successfully by emergent neural decompression. A 49-year-old man presented with fever and cervical pain. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an epidural abscess at C5-6. His condition deteriorated with the development of complete sensory loss and tetraparesis. Emergent anterior neural decompression was performed, and pus was aspirated which grew Staphylococcus aureus. Adequate antibiotics were administered, and the patient showed remarkable improvement of neurological signs and symptoms. He underwent reconstruction surgery 3 weeks after the first operation, and returned to his original job 3 months after the operation. Prompt diagnosis and satisfactory surgical decompression are essential to avoid irreversible neurological sequelae in epidural abscess of the cervical spine.     

Anterior cervical epidural abscess with pneumococcus in an infant

Spinal epidural abscess is a rare infection in childhood. We report the first documented case of pneumococcal epidural abscess in an infant and review the literature regarding this entity. In children, the signs and symptoms of spinal epidural abscess may not be as helpful as those in older patients. Furthermore, the offending organism may not be the usual Staphylococcus seen in adults. Infants may recover neurologic function even after prolonged cord compression; however, a high index of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis in a timely fashion.     

Surgical management of cervical spinal epidural abscess caused by Brucella melitensis : report of two cases and review of the literature

Spinal epidural abscess, if especially caused by Brucellosis is a very rare disease which is usually a consequence of spondylodiscitis. The spinal column can be affected at any joint; however, the lumbar spine is the most common region, especially at the level of the L4-5 and L5-S1. The frequency of spinal involvement usually seen at the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine respectively. As an occupational disease in farmers, veterinaries, butchers, laboratory staff and shepherds, brucellosis can also occur by direct contact to animals and infected materials or ingestion of raw cheese, milk or unpasteurized milk products. In this study, we presented two cases with cervical spinal epidural abscess caused by brucella melitensis, which was successfully treated by surgical approach. Initial treatment was combined with antibiotic therapy after the surgery for 3 months.     

CT guided aspiration of a cervical spinal epidural abscess.

The management of spinal epidural abscess has changed over the last few years. Originally treatment was thought to be urgent surgical evacuation. In the more recent literature less invasive techniques have been suggested. We present a case, where a cervical epidural abscess at the C2 level was treated with CT guided aspiration and antibiotic therapy. This has not been previously reported.     

Nonsurgically treated cervical brucellar epidural abscess causing spinal cord compression

Cervical spinal cord compression due to brucellar epidural abscess is extremely rare, with only 13 previously reported cases. We present another case of cervical spinal epidural abscess causing spinal cord compression. Diagnostic tools and treatment options are discussed.