Empiema subdural y su relación con hematomas subdurales: experiencia local y revisión de la literatura / Subdural empyema and its relationship to subdural hematomas: local experience and literature review

RESUMEN: Los empiemas subdurales, tanto los de aparición espontánea o como complicación en la evolución de un hematoma subdural (HSD), son infrecuentes y de los cuales existen pocas publicaciones en la literatura(1). En este trabajo se revisa una serie de 15 casos operados en el Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública (HUAP) en un período de 15 años. Se observó que en general tienen buena evolución con el tratamiento instaurado en forma oportuna y que son larvados en su presentación, pudiendo llegar a ser diagnosticados incluso en el intraoperatorio. No se observó diferencia en su evolución cuando se operaron a través de una craniectomía o de una craneotomía (plaqueta)(2). No se encontró tampoco diferencia cuando se trataron con o sin drenaje. Como consenso general, deben ser tratados con antibioticoterapia prolongada de al menos 3-4 semanas para controlar el foco infeccioso(2). Ninguno de los casos revisados requirió de reintervención.

ABSTRACT Subdural empyemas, both spontaneous or as a complication in the evolution of subdural hematomas, are an uncommon fact of which there are few publications in literature. In this review we analyze a retrospective serie of 15 cases operated in HUAP in a period of 15 years. In general we don't observed differences in the outcome using different surgical techniques, both in those treated by craniectomy as those treated by craniotomy. Also we don't observed differences in those treated with or without drainage. In the same way is clear that the optimal period of antibiotic treatment must be 3-4 weeks to fully cover them. None of the cases treated, needed reintervention.

Intervenciones especializadas de enfermería en el cuidado de drenajes cerebrales / Specialized nursing interventions in the care of brain drains

Los drenajes cerebrales son dispositivos utilizados como métodos terapéuticos, permitiendo la salida de líquido normal o patológico a personas que cursen por alguna enfermedad neurológica, convirtiéndose en uno de los procedimientos más comunes en el área de la enfermería neurológica. He aquí que los cuidados de enfermería deben ser considerados específicos para poder visualizar resultados satisfactorios en pacientes portadores de estos sistemas en áreas críticas. Por este motivo, las intervenciones especializadas de enfermería en el cuidado a los drenajes cerebrales se basaron en la necesidad de elaborar una guía de intervenciones específicas, y especializadas, para personas con uso de drenajes cerebrales siendo un tema de importancia en enfermería neurológica.

Brain drains are devices used as therapeutic methods, allowing the exit of normal or pathological fluid to people suffering from a neurological disease, becoming one of the most common procedures in the area of neurological nursing. Here, nursing care must be considered specific in order to visualize satisfactory results in patients with these systems in critical areas. For this reason, specialized nursing interventions in the care of brain drains were based on the need to develop a guide for specific and specialized interventions for people with use of brain drains, being a topic of importance in neurological nursing.

Factores pronósticos en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave en pediatría / Prognostic factors in severe head injury in pediatrics

Objetivos: Analizar y establecer una asociación entre las características del Traumatismo Craneoencefálico (TEC) grave en pediatría (edad, etiología, características clínicas, lesiones intracraneales y cirugía) y los resultados a largo plazo. Material y Método: Revisión de los pacientes con TEC grave ingresados al Hospital Garrahan desde enero 2013 hasta enero 2019. Se analizaron las características al ingreso y el tratamiento instaurado. Se utilizó la escala Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) para evaluar los resultados a 12 meses. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante las pruebas de Chi2 y Fisher. Se consideró como significativo a un valor de p menor a 0.05. Resultados: Se registraron 54 pacientes con TEC grave y seguimiento posterior de 12 meses. La mediana de edad fue de 6 años (3-12). La mayoría fue de sexo masculino 62.96% (34). La etiología más frecuente fue la caída de altura (42.59%) mientras que la lesión intracraneal que más se observó fue el hematoma extradural (25.93%). Los factores que se asociaron a mal pronóstico fueron las lesiones no accidentales (100% vs 0%; p=0.02), la midriasis bilateral (100% vs 0%; p= 0.001) y el hematoma subdural (70% vs 30%; p= 0.002). Los factores asociados a buen pronóstico fueron las caídas de altura (54.84% vs 45.16%; p=0.01) y un examen oftalmológico normal al ingreso (90% vs 10%; p=0.006). Conclusión: Los factores que se asociaron a mal pronóstico fueron el trauma no accidental, la midriasis y el hematoma subdural agudo. Por otro lado, las caídas y el examen oftalmológico normal se asociaron a mejor pronóstico.

Objective: To analyze and establish an association between the characteristics of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in pediatric patients (age, etiology, clinical characteristics, intracranial injuries and surgery) and long-term results. Material and Method: Review of patients with severe TBI admitted to Garrahan Pediatric Hospital from January 2013 to January 2019. The characteristics of admission and treatment instituted were analyzed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to evaluate results at 12 months. A statistical analysis was performed using Chi2 and Fisher tests. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 54 patients with severe TBI and subsequent follow-up of 12 month were reported. The median age was 6 years (3-12). Most were male 62.96% (34). The most common etiology was height falls (42.59%) while the most observed intracranial lesion was extradural hematoma (25.93%). Non-accidental injuries (100% vs 0%; p=0.02), bilateral mydriasis (100% vs 0%; p=0.001) and subdural hematoma (70% vs 30%; p=0.002) were associated with poor prognosis. Height drops (54.84% vs 45.16%; p=0.01) and a normal ophthalmological examination at income (90% vs 10%; p=0.006) were associated with good prognosis. Conclusion: Non-accidental trauma, mydriasis and acute subdural hematoma were associated with poor prognosis, whereas falls and normal eye exam were associated with better prognosis

Hemorragia subaracnoidea posterior a descompresión Lumbar mínimamente invasiva. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Subarachnoid hemorrhage after minimally invasive lumbar decompression. Case report and literature review

Introducción: Las lesiones durales son complicaciones frecuentes en la cirugía de columna. La fuga de liquidocefalorraquideo (LCR) puede originar hemorragia en todos los compartimientos del cerebro. La mayoría ocurre en venas ubicadas en región cerebelosa.Material y método: Se presenta un caso de hemorragia subaracnoidea posterior a una descompresión lumbar mínimamente invasiva asociada a desgarro dural. Resultados: Evoluciona en el postoperatorio con síntomas neurológicos de cefaleas y trastornos del sensorio por lo que se decide evaluarlo con estudios por imágenes vasculares cerebrales identificándose sangrado subaracnoideo.Discusión: El sitio más frecuente de hemorragia intracraneal posterior a una cirugía de columna es el cerebelo. El mecanismo de acción de este tipo de sangrados es desconocido y controversial, hay algunos reportes que sugieren que se trataría de un sangrado venoso. El síntoma más característico de este síndrome es la cefalea. Aunque se desconoce la etiología exacta, se postula que la pérdida de volumen de LCR causa una caída en la presión intracraneal, lo que lleva a un agrandamiento de los senos venosos durales que predisponen al paciente a un hematoma subdural espontáneoConclusión: La fuga de LCR, las alteraciones asociadas al edema cerebral en la hipotensión cerebral podría ser llave del mecanismo que desencadena una hemorragia subaracnoidea.

compartments of the brain. Most occur in veins located in the cerebellar region.Material and method: A case of subarachnoid hemorrhage after a minimally invasive lumbar decompression associated with dural tear is presented.Results: It evolves in the postoperative period with neurological symptoms of headaches and sensory disorders, so it is decided to evaluate it with studies by cerebral vascular images identifying subarachnoid bleeding.Discussion: The most frequent site of intracranial hemorrhage after spinal surgery is the cerebellum. The mechanism of action of this type of bleeding is unknown and controversial, there are some reports that suggest that it would be a venous bleeding. The most characteristic symptom of this syndrome is headache. Although the exact etiology is unknown, it is postulated that the loss of CSF volume causes a drop in intracranial pressure, which leads to an enlargement of the dural venous sinuses that predispose the patient to a spontaneous subdural hematomaConclusion: CSF leakage, alterations associated with cerebral edema in cerebral hypotension could be key to the mechanism that triggers a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Palliative approach in acute neurological events: a five-year study

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Acute neurological illness often results in severe disability. Five-year life expectancy is around 40%; half the survivors become completely dependent on outside help. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the symptoms of patients admitted to a Hospital ward with a diagnosis of stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage or subdural hematoma, and analyze the role of an In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Team. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective, observational study with a sample consisting of all patients admitted with acute neurological illness and with a guidance request made to the In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Team of a tertiary Hospital, over 5 years (2012-2016). RESULTS A total of 66 patients were evaluated, with an age median of 83 years old. Amongst them, there were 41 ischaemic strokes, 12 intracranial bleedings, 12 subdural hematomas, and 5 subarachnoid hemorrhages. The median of delay between admission and guidance request was 14 days. On the first evaluation by the team, the GCS score median was 6/15 and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) median 10%. Dysphagia (96.8%) and bronchorrhea (48.4%) were the most prevalent symptoms. A total of 56 patients had a feeding tube (84.8%), 33 had vital sign monitoring (50.0%), 24 were hypocoagulated (36.3%), 25 lacked opioid or anti-muscarinic therapy for symptom control (37,9%); 6 patients retained orotracheal intubation, which was removed. In-hospital mortality was 72.7% (n=48). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Patients were severely debilitated, in many cases futile interventions persisted, yet several were under-medicated for symptom control. The delay between admission and collaboration request was high. Due to the high morbidity associated with acute neurological illness, palliative care should always be timely provided.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Eventos neurológicos agudos resultam frequentemente em incapacidade grave que impede o doente de participar ativamente nas decisões do seu próprio tratamento. A sobrevida a cinco anos ronda os 40%; metade dos sobreviventes fica dependente de terceiros. Objetivo Avaliar a sintomatologia de doentes internados com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), hemorragia subarcnoideia (HSA) ou subdural (HSD) e analisar a intervenção de uma Equipe Intra-Hospitalar de Suporte em Cuidados Paliativos (EIHSCP). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS Estudo retrospetivo observacional dos doentes com diagnóstico principal de evento neurológico agudo com pedido de colaboração à EIHSCP, num hospital terciário, durante cinco anos (2012-2016). RESULTADOS Avaliados 66 doentes, com média de idade de 83 anos. Destacam-se 41 AVC isquêmicos, 12 hemorrágicos, 12 HSD e 5 HSA. A média da demora entre internamento e pedido de colaboração à EIHSCP foi de 14 dias. Na primeira observação, a média na escala de coma de Glasgow foi de 6/15 e na Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) foi de 10%. Disfagia (96,8%) e broncorreia (48,4%) foram os sintomas mais frequentes. A maioria dos doentes (56/66) mantinha sonda nasogástrica (84,8%); 33 encontravam-se em monitorização cardiorrespiratória (50,0%); 24 estavam sob hipocoagulação (36,3%); 25 necessitavam de opioide e antimuscarínico que não estavam prescritos (37,9%); seis tinham tubo orotraqueal, que foi retirado. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 72,7% (n=48). DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO Destaca-se o estado debilitado dos doentes; em muitos casos, intervenções fúteis persistiam, mas várias foram submedicadas para o controle dos sintomas. Verificou-se um tempo de espera elevado até o pedido de colaboração. Pela elevada morbilidade associada a esses eventos, cuidados paliativos diferenciados deveriam ser oferecidos no tempo adequado.

Concausalidad en un caso clínico de hematoma subdural / Concausality in a clinical case of subdural hematoma

ResumenLas ciencias forenses, a través, de su cuerpo de conocimiento, debe encaminar de manera precisa, por medio del aporte de suficientes datos, la ejecución de la leyes en función de la justicia con especial interés en homicidios concausales, donde la existencia en la víctima de una condición desconocida por el atacante agrava el efecto de su acción, que termina con la vida de la víctima. En este reporte se presenta un caso en que un traumatismo facial ocasionado en una disputa entre atacante y atacado degenera en hematoma subdural agudo con muerte súbita de este último, atribuido a debilidad intrínseca de la pared de los vasos sanguíneos y/o defecto en el grosor de la concha del temporal e incluso a la sumatoria de ambas circunstancias anatómicas. Se concluye que la experticia forense con base en la sustentación de la evidencia es clave para el establecimiento de responsabilidad de autoría de un hecho ilícito.

AbstractThe forensic sciences, through its body of knowledge, must accurately direct, through the provision of sufficient data, the execution of laws in function of justice with special interest in killings, where the existence in the victim of a condition unknown by the attacker aggravates the effect of his action, which ends with the life of the victim. This report presents a case in which a facial trauma caused in a dispute between attacker and attacker degenerates into acute subdural hematoma with sudden death of the latter, attributed to intrinsic weakness of the wall of the blood vessels and / or defect in thickness the shell of the storm and even the sum of both anatomical circumstances. It is concluded that forensic expertise based on the support of evidence is key to establishing responsibility for authorship of an illegal act.

Decompressive Craniectomy (DC) - Comparative Study of 30-Day Mortality in Surgeries of Severe Brain Trauma with Subdural Hematoma, with and without DC

Objective Compare 30 days mortality of patients harboring acute subdural hematomas in two series, one treated only by wide aspiration of hematoma and other with aspiration followed by decompressive craniectomy. Methods Comparing retrospectively two series of ASD with and without DC. Involved 81 TBI patients with acute subdural hematoma and GCS 8 (Jan 2000 to Nov 2014) arranged into two groups. Group 1 - 58 cases underwent to DC. Group 2 - 23 patients underwent only hematoma aspiration. Results Group 1 showed 44.8% mortality directly due to brain lesion within 30 days. The most frequent associated lesion were contusion in 37.2%. Group 2 the mortality within 30 days was 47.8%. The majority of deaths (82%) resulted from uncontrollable brain swelling, midline shift was present in 94.7% of patients. Conclusion High admission GCS and age less than 50 remain better outcome predictor in 30 days survival for patients undergoing surgery of traumatic ASDH.

Objetivo Comparar a mortalidade em 30 dias de pacientes que sofreram hematoma subdural agudo em duas séries, uma tratada por aspiração do hematoma e outro por aspiração seguida de craniectomia descompressiva. Métodos Comparar retrospectivamente duas séries de HSD com e sem CD. Envolveu 81 pacientes com TCE com hematoma subdural agudo e GCS 8 (Jan 2000 a Nov 2014) em dois grupos. Grupo 1­58 casos tratados submetidos a CD. Grupo 2­23 pacientes submetidos a drenagem do hematoma somente. Resultados Grupo 1 apresentou 44,8% de mortalidade diretamente devido a lesão cerebral dentro de 30 dias. A mais comum lesão associada era contusão em 37,2%. Grupo 2 a mortalidade dentro de 30 dias foi 47,8%. A maioria dos óbitos (82) resultou de edema cerebral incontrolável, desvio de linha média estava presente em 94,7% dos pacientes. Conclusão Alto GCS de admissão e idade menor que 50 anos permanecem melhores preditores de desfecho na mortalidade em 30 dias para paciente submetidas a cirurgia de hematoma subdural agudo.

Generalidades de trauma cráneo encefálico en medicina legal / Generalities of traumatic brain injury in legal medicine

Resumen:El Trauma Cráneo Encefálico (TCE) tiene hoy en día una incidencia muy alta de morbilidad y mortalidad en nuestra población, por lo que es de suma importancia esclarecer los conceptos básicos de las lesiones producidas por el TCE, su cronología y el pronóstico de dichos traumas. Este artículo se basa en identificar las lesiones primarias y secundarias más frecuentes y las características más importantes de cada una de ellas, así como describir los mecanismos de trauma frecuentemente implicados.

Abstract:The Brain Trauma (TCE) has a very high incidence of morbidity and mortality in its population today, so it is very important to clarify the basic concepts of the injuries produced by the TCE, its timing and the prognosis of these traumas. This article is based on identifying the most frequent primary and secondary lesions and the most important characteristics of each, as well as describing the mechanisms of trauma frequently involved

Treatment of a subdural empyema complicated by intracerebral abscess due to Brucella infection

A 55-year-old male presented with fever, stupor, aphasia, and left hemiparesis. A history of head trauma 3 months before was also reported. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed slight contrast enhancement of lesions under the right frontal skull plate and right frontal lobe. Because of deterioration in nutritional status and intracranial hypertension, the patient was prepared for burr hole surgery. A subdural empyema (SDE) recurred after simple drainage. After detection of Brucella species in SDE, craniotomy combined with antibiotic treatment was undertaken. The patient received antibiotic therapy for 6 months (two doses of 2 g ceftriaxone, two doses of 100 mg doxycycline, and 700 mg rifapentine for 6 months) that resulted in complete cure of the infection. Thus, it was speculated that the preexisting subdural hematoma was formed after head trauma, which was followed by a hematogenous infection caused by Brucella species.

Burkitt's Lymphoma Mimicking a Subacute Subdural Hematoma: a Case Report

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although dural metastases are relatively frequent in malignancies, they are rarely associated with subdural hematoma (SDH). We present a case of subdural effusion secondary to dural metastases from Burkitt's lymphoma.

O linfoma de Burkitt é um linfoma Linfoma não Hodgkin de células B altamente agressivo. Embora a presença de infiltração meninges seja relativamente comum no contexto de neoplasias malignas o surgimento de hematoma subdural secundários é evento raro. Será relatado caso de coleção subdural secundaria a metástases dural de linfoma de Burkitt que apresentou-se radiologicamente semelhante a hematoma subdural em fase subaguda.

Hemangioblastoma cerebeloso y trombocitopenia: reporte de caso / Cerebellar hemangioblastoma and thrombocytopenia: report of one case

The association between vascular tumors and thrombocytopenia is rare. Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome is seen in childhood and is characterized by hemangiomas and thrombocytopenia. A 42 years-old man with a cerebellar hemangioblastoma and thrombocytopenia, admitted with a subarachnoid hemorrhage is reported. The patient was operated and required a splenectomy to manage the thrombocytopenia. After the splenectomy the patient developed a subdural hematoma that was operated. Despite the surgical treatment, the patient died.

Uso de fator protrombínico no tratamento de hematoma subdural espontâneo: relato de caso / Prothrombin Factor Use in the Treatment of Spontaneous Subdural Haematoma: Case Report

A warfarina é amplamente utilizada na condução de pacientes com patologias cardiovasculares, apesar do risco de sangramentos potencialmente graves. Quando tais sangramentos ocorrem, é necessária rápida reversão da anticoagulação. No presente relato descreve-se um paciente que desenvolveu hematoma subdural espontâneo associado ao uso de warfarina, necessitando intervenção cirúrgica emergencial. É dada ênfase aos mecanismos de produção deste fenômeno e à sua condução clínica.

Warfarin is widely used on the treatment of cardiovascular pathology, although there are risks of potentially lethal bleeding. When such bleeding occurs, it is imperative a rapid reversal of anticoagulation. A case of a spontaneous subdural hematoma during the use of warfarin and requiring emergent surgical treatment is reported. Emphasis is given to the mechanisms of this phenomenon and its clinical conduction.

Performance of the fixed pressure valve with antisiphon device SPHERA® in the treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus and prevention of overdrainage / Efeito da válvula de pressão fixa com antisifão SPHERA®no tratamento da hidrocefalia de pressão normal e prevenção de hiperdrenagem

ABSTRACT Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by the triad of gait apraxia, dementia and urinary incontinence associated with ventriculomegaly and normal pressure of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment is accomplished through the implantation of a ventricular shunt (VPS), however some complications are still frequent, like overdrainage due to siphon effect. This study analyses the performance of a valve with anti-siphon device (SPHERA®) in the treatment of patients with NPH and compares it with another group of patients with NPH who underwent the same procedure without anti-siphon mechanism (PS Medical® valve). 30 patients were consecutively enrolled in two groups with 15 patients each and followed clinically and radiologically for 1 year. Patients submitted to VPS with SPHERA® valve had the same clinical improvement as patients submitted to VPS with PS Medical®. However, complications and symptomatology due to overdrainage were significantly lower in SPHERA® group, suggesting it as a safe tool to treat NPH.

RESUMO A hidrocefalia de pressão normal (HPN) é caracterizada pela tríade de sintomas de apraxia de marcha, demência e incontinência urinária. O tratamento padrão é realizado através de implantação de derivação ventricular, porém várias complicações são frequentes, como a hiperdrenagem secundária ao efeito sifão. Este estudo avaliou o resultado da válvula SPHERA® no tratamento desses pacientes em comparação com um grupo controle (PS Medical®). 30 pacientes foram consecutivamente alocados em dois grupos de 15 e seguidos por 1 ano. Pacientes com a válvula SPHERA® tiveram o mesmo grau de melhora clínica em comparação ao grupo controle, no entanto as complicações diagnósticadas e sintomatologia secundária à hiperdrenagem foi significativamente inferior no grupo da válvula SPHERA® group, sugerindo-a como uma ferramenta segura e aplicável.

Abusive Head Trauma: Epidemiological Aspects and Diagnosis / Trauma Craniano por abuso: aspectos epidemiológicos e diagnostico

Objective Abusive head trauma (AHT) is defined as a severe, non-accidental traumatic brain injury. Early recognition and treatment are instrumental in limiting the immediate complications and long-term disabilities. The goal of this study was to describe our experience with traumatic head injuries in children younger than 2 years of age. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 195 children aged under 2 years with suspected AHTwho presented with a head injury without witnessed accidental trauma, between January 2008 and June 2013. Results AHT was considered in 145 children. Familial problems (ρ » 0.008), cutaneous hematoma/bruising (ρ < 0.001), retinal hemorrhages (ρ < 0.001), and bone fractures (ρ » 0.04), were significantly more frequent in the AHT group. Conclusions The association between the subdural hematoma and retinal hemorrhage, resulting from an unwitnessed and incoherent history of trauma, is a strong argument for AHT, particularly when associated lesions and socioeconomic risk factors are evident.

Objetivo O traumatismo craniano por abuso (AHT) é definido como uma grave lesão cerebral traumática não acidental. O reconhecimento e tratamento precoce são fundamentais para limitar as complicações imediatas e sequelas tardias. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a nossa experiência em crianças menores de 2 anos de idade, vítimas de trauma craniano. Métodos Foram revisados os prontuários de 195 crianças com idade inferior a 2 anos com suspeita de AHT, sem trauma acidental testemunhado e com diagnostico de hematoma subdural, entre janeiro de 2008 e junho de 2013. Resultados AHT foi considerado em 145 crianças. Problemas socioeconômicos familiares (ρ » 0,008), hematomas e lesões cutâneas (ρ <0,001), hemorragias retinianas (ρ <0,001), e fraturas em ossos longos (ρ » 0,04), foram significativamente mais frequentes no grupo de crianças com suspeita de AHT. Conclusões A associação entre hematomas subdurais e hemorragia retiniana, resultante de uma história incoerente de trauma sem testemunhas, é um forte argumento para a AHT, particularmente quando lesões cutâneas e fatores de risco socioeconômicos forem identificados.

Bilateral subdural hematoma secondary to accidental dural puncture / Hematoma subdural bilateral secundário a punção dural acidental / Hematoma subdural bilateral secundario a punción dural accidental

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman, who received epidural analgesia for labor pain and subsequently presented post-dural puncture headache. Conservative treatment was applied and epidural blood patch was performed. In the absence of clinical improvement and due to changes in the postural component of the headache, a brain imaging test was performed showing a bilateral subdural hematoma. The post-dural puncture headache is relatively common, but the lack of response to established medical treatment as well as the change in its characteristics and the presence of neurological deficit, should raise the suspicion of a subdural hematoma, which although is rare, can be lethal if not diagnosed and treated at the right time.

Apresentamos o caso clínico de uma paciente de 25 anos na qual uma técnica peridural foi aplicada durante o trabalho de parto e posteriormente apresentou cefaleia com características de cefaleia pós-punção dural. Foi iniciado tratamento conservador e tampão de sangue peridural. Devido à ausência de melhoria clínica e à mudança do componente postural da cefaleia, decidiu-se fazer um exame de imagem cerebral que demonstrou a presença de hematoma subdural bilateral. A cefaleia pós-punção dural é relativamente frequente, mas a falta de resposta ao tratamento médico instaurado, assim como a mudança em suas características e a presença de foco neurológico, deve levantar a suspeita de presença de um hematoma subdural que, embora infrequente, pode chegar a ser devastador se não for diagnosticado e tratado oportunamente.

Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente de 25 años de edad, a quien se le realizó una técnica epidural durante el trabajo de parto y posteriormente presentó cefalea con características de cefalea pospunción dural. Se inició tratamiento conservador y se realizó parche hemático epidural. Ante la falta de mejoría clínica y debido al cambio en el componente postural de la cefalea, se decidió realizar una prueba de imagen cerebral que demostró la presencia de hematoma subdural bilateral. La cefalea pospunción dural es relativamente frecuente, pero la falta de respuesta al tratamiento médico instaurado, así como el cambio en sus características y la presencia de focalidad neurológica, deben hacer sospechar la presencia de un hematoma subdural que, aunque infrecuente, puede llegar a ser devastador si no se diagnostica y trata oportunamente.

Evidences in the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus / Evidências no tratamento da hidrocefalia de pressão normal idiopática.

Summary Introduction: idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is characterized by gait apraxia, cognitive dysfunction and urinary incontinence. There are two main treatment options: ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). However, there are doubts about which modality is superior and what type of valve should be applied. We are summarizing the current evidence in INPH treatment. Methods: an electronic search of the literature was conducted on the Medline, Embase, Scielo and Lilacs databases from 1966 to the present to obtain data published about INPH treatment. Results: the treatment is based on three pillars: conservative, ETV and VPS. The conservative option has fallen into disuse after various studies showing good results after surgical intervention. ETV is an acceptable mode of treatment, but the superiority of VPS has made the latter the gold standard. Conclusion: well-designed studies with a high level of appropriate evidence are still scarce, but the current gold standard for treatment of INPH is conducted using VPS. .

Resumo Introdução: a hidrocefalia de pressão normal idiopática (HPNI) é caracterizada por apraxia da marcha, disfunção cognitiva e incontinência urinária. Existem duas principais opções terapêuticas: derivação ventriculoperitoneal (DVP) e terceiro ventriculostomia endoscópica (TVE). No entanto, há dúvidas sobre qual modalidade é superior e que tipo de válvula deve ser aplicada. Este artigo resume as evidências atuais no tratamento de HPNI. Métodos: uma busca eletrônica da literatura foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline, Embase, SciELO e Lilacs, de 1966 até o momento presente para revelar os dados publicados sobre o tratamento da HPNI. Resultados: o tratamento é baseado em três pilares: conservador isolado, TVE e DVP. A opção conservadora caiu em desuso depois de vários estudos revelarem bons resultados após a intervenção cirúrgica. A TVE é uma modalidade de tratamento aceitável, mas a superioridade da DVP torna-a o padrão-ouro. Conclusão: estudos com evidência de alto nível, adequados e bem desenhados, ainda são escassos. O tratamento padrão-ouro atual de HPNI é realizado com DVP. .

Síndrome del niño sacudido / Shaken baby syndrome

El síndrome del niño sacudido (SNS) es una forma de abuso físico caracterizada por ciertos hallazgos clínicos entre los que se encuentran presencia de hematoma subdural o subaracnoideo, edema cerebral difuso, y hemorragias retinianas, en ausencia de otras muestras físicas de lesión traumática, los cuales se producen al sacudir fuertemente al niño tomado del tórax o las extremidades. La aceleración-desaceleracion producida por dicho movimiento constituye el mecanismo de lesión. El cuadro clínico se puede manifestar con hallazgos inespecíficos como vómitos, somnolencia, irritabilidad hasta signos como los mencionados anteriormente, estos niños suelen presentar secuelas a corto y largo plazo. En Costa Rica la legislación ampara al menor contra los maltratos y da al sistema de salud la labor de salvaguardar la integridad y vida del mismo.

The shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a form of physical abuse characterized for some clinical findings including the presence of a subdural or subarachnoid haematoma, diffuse cerebral edema and retinal haemorrhages and absence of other physical signs of traumatic injury which are produced when the victim is held by the torso or the extremities and violently shaken. The acceleration - deceleration produced by the movement is thought to be the production mechanism of the injury. The clinical findings could be as unspecific as vomits, sleepiness, irritability or signs like the ones listed above, this children often presents short and long term complications. In Costa Rica the legislation protects the children against abuses and give the health system the responsibility of taking care of children’s integrity and life.