Anatomical variability of sub-epidermal moisture and its clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Technologies have been developed to monitor changes in dermal oedema, indicative of the early signs of pressure ulcers. However, there is limited information on the effects of regional differences in tissue morphology on these sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) parameters. This study was designed to investigate the absolute SEM readings across different anatomical sites using a commercial device. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy participants were recruited to evaluate basal SEM values at different bony prominences, sampled by an experienced operator. RESULTS: Distinct differences were observed in unloaded SEM values across different anatomical sites, notably between the upper and lower extremities. A high degree of variability was observed in particular sites, such as the heels. Moreover, SEM values at certain locations revealed significant relationships with age, BMI and gender (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high level of variability between and within anatomical sites in a healthy cohort of participants. Determining the changes in local skin and sub-dermal tissue status using SEM may require consideration of both site specific and individual demographic factors, with further research needed in cohorts at risk of pressure ulcers.

Sternal Fracture Complicated by a Subcutaneous Abscess in a 5-Year-Old Boy and Diagnosed Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Although fractures of the sternum are rare in young children, owing to the compliance of the chest wall, these fractures are still possible and require thorough examination. We present a case that emphasizes the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis of a pediatric sternal fracture complicated by a subcutaneous abscess. CASE REPORT: A 5-year-old boy presented with tenderness of the sternum, with diffuse swelling extending bilaterally to the anterior chest wall. Ultrasound imaging identified irregular alignment of the sternum with a subcutaneous abscess and swirling of purulent material within the abscess in the fracture area. These findings were confirmed on enhanced chest computed tomography and had not been visible at the time of the first evaluation 6 days prior. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Our case demonstrates the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound for the diagnosis and appropriate management of a sternal fracture complicated by a subcutaneous abscess in a young child. As ultrasound imaging is easy to perform at the bedside, it is useful for examining pediatric patients with swelling of the anterior chest and local tenderness of the sternum to rule out a sternal fracture, even if these fractures are deemed to be uncommon in children.

Fatal superior sagittal sinus hemorrhage as a complication of aplasia cutis congenita: a case report and literature review.

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare condition that occurs in around 0.01% of births. Characterized by a localized absence of skin, it affects the midline of the scalp in over 80% of cases. We describe the case of an infant born via vaginal spontaneous delivery with ACC affecting the scalp. This extended to the subcutaneous tissue and bone leaving the dura mater exposed. The patient was managed conservatively. At 4 weeks of age, she had a fatal superior sagittal sinus hemorrhage. In a review of the literature, we found ten previous cases of hemorrhage of the superior sagittal sinus complicating an ACC. Including our case, ACC complicated by hemorrhage of the superior sagittal sinus shows a 36% mortality (4/11). An analysis of these cases suggests that this tends to occur between 1 and 3 months of age, though it may occur in younger neonates.

Fu's subcutaneous needling for subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region: A case report.

RATIONALE: Lymphadenectomy for tongue cancer in the neck region is often accompanied by local impaired mobility, gland damage, difficult in swallowing, and postoperative complication and seriously affects patients life quality. We reported a case of subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region after lymphadenectomy for tongue lesions accompanied by impaired neck mobility and difficult in swallowing was treated using Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 55-year-old male with tongue cancer received surgical intervention with lymphadenectomy 8 years ago was revealed a 15 cm-long curved surgical incision in the neck region and surrounded by numerous scar tissues. DIAGNOSIS: Post-operation subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region after lymphadenectomy was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS: FSN treatment was performed 2 to 3 times per week for 1 month to sway the affected tightened muscle and dissociate the superficial fascia beneath the scar resulted in a considerable improvement in neck movement. OUTCOMES: The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was as follows: color (M) - 1; vascular distribution (V) - 0, thickness (H) - 2, and flexibility (P) - 4, with a total of 7 points before FSN treatment. The VSS after 1 month of FSN treatment was as follows: M1, V0, H2, and P2, with a total of 5 points. Neck mobility in different directions, i.e., stretching to the back of the neck and laterally bending the neck to the left and/or right side, was improved (P < .05). LESSONS: At present, treatment of chronic scar hyperplasia has certain side effects and limitations. FSN is safe and convenient, with minimal destruction of the superficial fascia, having evident effects of dissociating tissue adhesion under scars and compensating for deficiencies in scar hyperplasia treatment. It can provide new ideas for future treatments.

Rare case of vascular malformations in both skin and brain: Case report and published work review.

Solitary venous malformation (VM) of the skin, previously known as cavernous hemangioma, is frequently observed in the dermatological field, but multiple acquired VM are rare. We present a case of multiple VM of the skin associated with multiple cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) in a 70-year-old Japanese woman. In addition, we summarize seven reported similar cases, including the present case. That some reports have described concomitant VM of the skin and CCM, together with the present case, suggests a tight relationship or a common pathogenetic pathway between these two diseases.

SHORT syndrome.

We describe a mother and her son with short stature, progeroid facies, Rieger anomaly, teething delay, and mild developmental retardation, particularly speech delay, which are characteristic features of the SHORT syndrome. An additional sign of all described patients is the slight build with lack of subcutaneous fat. Resistance to insulin was suggested by an oral glucose tolerance test in the mother, whereas the test was normal in the index patient at the age of 2 years 2 months. We review the literature and discuss the name-giving symptoms critically. Five familial cases in different generations, equally affected male and female patients and male-to-male transmission point to an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.

Síndrome de Poland: descripción de un caso en la sala de partos / Poland syndrome: Description of a case in the delivery room

El Síndrome de Poland es un trastorno congénito raro que se caracteriza por la ausencia o hipoplasia unilateral del musculo pectoral mayor asociado a malformaciones en la extremidad superior y tejido mamario ipsilateral. Las manifestaciones clínicas en los recién nacidos solamente se describen en la literatura, por lo tanto muchos aspectos de su presentación en las guarderías son ignoradas. Presentamos el caso de un recién nacido que manifiesta una respiración paradójica desde el momento del nacimiento. Este tipo de hallazgo clínico esta vagamente descrito en el Síndrome de Poland y menos aún en el periodo neonatal.

Poland Syndrome is a rare congenital condition characterized by the absence unilateral pectoralis major muscle. it can be associated with other multiple malformations usually in the same affected side. The clinical manifestation in newborns are merely described in the literature, therefore many aspect in its presentation in the nursery are ignored. We present the case of a newborn manifesting paradoxical breathing since birth. This clinical finding is barely describe in poland's syndrome and even less during newborn period.

Computer-assisted midface reconstruction in Treacher Collins syndrome part 2: soft tissue reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) midfacial involvement associate a skeletal hypoplasia centred on the zygoma to a hypoplasia of all surrounding soft tissues layers and an inferolateral lower lid pseudocoloboma. TCS soft tissue hypoplasia, which has not been well studied, continues to bring challenges in both the indication of surgical treatment and the prediction of their results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From a standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition, we studied qualitatively and quantitatively the prezygomatic fat compartments and the buccal fat pad of two individuals with TCS whose age were 10 and 14 years. In parallel, we studied 20 controls at the same age to obtain a morphometric database of reference and compare our results. TCS soft tissue involvement was correlated to the results of our prior skeletal involvement study. RESULTS: The midfacial fat compartments in TCS are severely hypoplastic, especially in the superficial and lateral compartments of the face (all P's < 0.001). No significant correlation existed between the soft tissue and the skeletal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first published study of TCS midfacial fat compartments. Their hypoplasia is an important part of the syndrome's facial deformity. The knowledge of their anatomy, organization and volumetric variation is essential. Their re-establishment is key in the early treatment phases of this syndrome. Using the preoperative data, the morphometric database of reference, and surgical simulation, an appropriate surgical technique, going from an autologous fat graft to a free flap, can then be chose.