Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury After Posterior Cervical Laminectomy.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a rare but serious complication encountered after spinal decompression surgery. This is only the 11th case reported in the literature. There is no current mainstay of treatment; however, several therapies have been studied. This case presents a patient with myelomalacia who underwent posterior laminectomy and developed diffuse cord edema with postoperative quadriplegia. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is believed to be mediated by oxidative and nitrosative stress leading to protein degradation and lipid peroxidation. It is characterized by myelomalacia in a chronically ischemic spinal cord and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI after decompression. Treatment has involved steroids and rehabilitation, and outcomes have ranged from minor improvement to full recovery. Novel treatment options have shown promise in animal models.

Refractory Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity Following Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a complex and underrecognized phenomenon involving increased sympathetic activity leading to tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypertension. The frequency of nonrecognition is due to a lack of diagnostic criteria. In addition, the lack of evidence-based treatments has further complicated approaches to management. This case describes a patient who presented with a new-onset seizure and intracerebral hemorrhage requiring burst suppression and decompressive craniotomy to attenuate intracranial hypertension (ICH). The patient continued to display paroxysmal dysautonomia requiring a multimodal regimen for control of episodes. He demonstrated neurological improvement and complete resolution of dysautonomic activity prior to being discharged to a rehabilitation facility. A delayed diagnosis, ICH, and refractory PSH status postdecompressive craniotomy presented unique challenges. Given that the number of episodes of paroxysmal "storms" directly correlates with morbidity and mortality, early detection is critical, and lack of recognition makes this a difficult disorder to diagnose and manage.