Clinicoradiological and prognostic features of COVID-19-associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a spark in interest in the subject given the high exposure rate to viral antigens in the form of infections and vaccines. It is expected that acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) cases see a rise in incidence during this period. Given the plethora of Covid-19-related central nervous system (CNS) involvement, it is important to be aware of the varied presentations of ADEM. CASE REPORTS: In this paper, we report 3 cases of ADEM following Covid-19 infection. Patients presented with polyfocal neurological symptoms 6 to 18 days after respiratory symptoms onset. The diagnosis of Covid-19 was made based on nasal swab reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and chest computerized tomography (CT). DISCUSSION: These cases illustrate both classic and atypical presentations requiring exclusion of a spectrum of CNS conditions to be able to retain the diagnosis of ADEM. Consequently, we stress the importance of context, clinical examination and MRI findings in the differentials. In addition, we discuss workup, and particularly, the indication of brain biopsy. Also, the paper discusses options in therapy and the prognosis. The prognosis of covid-associated ADEM is dependent on the extent of pathology intrinsic to ADEM and the intrication of the prognosis of Covid-19 infection. CONCLUSION: The key message in these 3 cases is that clinicians should have a low threshold of suspicion of ADEM in the Covid-19 context, adopt appropriate workup strategies, and initiate adequate treatment for better outcomes.

Neurological complications of giant cell arteritis: A study of 15 cases and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is considered a neuro-ophthalmologic emergency. New-onset headache in patients aged 50 years and above with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate should prompt evaluation for GCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 15 patients presenting with GCA from 1991 to 2008 at the Mohamed V Military hospital at Rabat and Avicenne Military hospital of Marrakech. RESULTS: Fifteen cases were recorded, with female predominance (male to female ratio 2:3) and a mean age of 63 years (range: 55-83 years). All patients (100%) presented with headache. The headache was isolated in 20% of cases and neuro-ophthalmic complications were found in 73% of cases. Biopsy was conclusive for GCA in 67% of cases and all of our patients were placed on steroids with spectacular improvement. CONCLUSION: New-onset headache in patients aged 50 years and above should prompt evaluation for GCA. Steroids, especially during the acute phase, must be started urgently to avoid irreversible neurological impairment.

[A case of bronchopulmonary sequestration]. / Une séquestration pulmonaire particulière.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by the presence of a non-functioning mass of lung tissue which receives an aberrant arterial supply from systemic circulation. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 30-year-old man who presented with recurrent episodes of mild hemoptysis. CT angiography revealed a right inferior lobar sequestration supplied by three systemic arteries. The patient underwent thoracotomy with right lower lobectomy and section-ligature of the three abnormal vessels. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the radiological features as well as the intraoperative appearances of this rare anomaly.

Unusual variant of inverted Y ureteral duplication with an ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and renal dysgenesis.

Inverted Y malformation is a rare variant of ureteral duplication with a marked female predominance. We describe a case of inverted Y ureteral duplication with concurrent ectopic ureteral insertion into a seminal vesicle cyst, a ureterocoele and renal dysgenesis, which occurred in a 29-year-old man with lower urinary tract symptoms, haematospermia and postcoital discomfort. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case with this constellation of urogenital abnormalities.