Subdural Empyema as a Complication of Sinusitis: A Diagnosis to Keep in Mind.

Subdural empyema (SDE) is a rare form of intracranial infection associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Infections of the middle ear and paranasal sinuses are the most common predisposing factors that can lead to bacterial proliferation in the subdural space, usually by direct extension in young patients. Clinicians must have a high level of suspicion for patients presenting with concomitant neurological deficits and signs of sinus pathology. Cross-sectional imaging is mandatory for the diagnosis, preferably contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment requires a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotherapy and prompt neurosurgical drainage intervention. Here, we present the case of a 20-year-old patient with long-term neurological sequelae following a left paranasal infection complicated by an SDE. This case report highlights the rapid progression and devastating consequences of SDE, an ominous neurosurgical emergency.

Liver Transplantation for Acute Hepatic Failure Following Intentional Iron Overdose.

The majority of acute iron toxicity cases occur in young children from accidental ingestion. In adults, iron poisoning is rare and mostly due to intentional ingestion. Physicians, particularly those who do not routinely treat pediatric patients, are often unfamiliar with the clinical manifestation of iron poisoning, its management, and its potential for multiple organ failure, especially liver damage. Severe acute hepatotoxicity treated with liver transplantation is rare in adults, with very limited published literature. We report a case of a severe iron tablet overdose with suicidal intent that progressed to fulminant hepatic failure despite medical treatment, ultimately treated with liver transplantation.

In the Beginning ... It was Already the End.

Sometimes, the presentation of some diseases can be fulminating. The authors present the case of a 51-year- old male brought to the emergency department visibly drunk and complaining of abdominal pain. Immediately, the diagnosis of hemorrhagic shock due to an accentuated drop of the hemoglobin level was made. After stabilization, he underwent a computed tomography of the abdomen, revealing a hepatocellular carcinoma with rupture of the Glisson capsule and massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage. With this case, the authors want to bring attention to a rare first presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma with a catastrophic result.

Por vezes a apresentação de algumas patologias pode ser fulminante. Os autores apresentam o caso de um doente de 51 anos que foi trazido ao Serviço de Urgência em etilismo agudo com dor abdominal mas rapidamente foi constatado choque com queda acentuada da hemoglobina confirmando-se choque hemorrágico. Após estabilização realizou Tomografia Computadorizada abdominal constatando-se carcinoma hepatocelular com rotura da cápsula de gleason e hemorragia intra-peritoneal maciça. Com este caso os autores pretendem chamar a atenção para uma apresentação inicial rara de carcinoma hepatocelular mas cujo resultado é catastrófico.

Short bowel syndrome: treatment options / Síndrome Intestino Curto: abordagens terapêuticas

Introduction: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) refers to the malabsorptive state that occurs following extensive intestinal resection and is associated with several complications. Methods: The research for this review was conducted in the Pubmed database. Relevant scientific articles dated between 1991 and 2015 and written in Portuguese, Spanish or English were selected. Results: Several therapies, including nutritional support, pharmacological options and surgical procedures have been used in these patients. Conclusions: Over the last decades new surgical and pharmacological approaches emerged, increasing survival and quality of life (QoL) in patients with SBS. All SBS patients ought to have an individualized and multidisciplinary care that promotes intestinal rehabilitation.

Introdução: A Síndrome do Intestino Curto (SIC) resulta da perda da capacidade de absorção do intestino após resseção intestinal extensa e está associada a diversas complicações. Métodos: Esta revisão foi realizada com base em artigos científicos originais pesquisados na base de dados MEDLINE via Pubmed, na língua portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola, com o limite temporal de 1991 a 2015. Resultados: O tratamento instituído pode ser a nível nutricional, farmacológico ou cirúrgico. Conclusões: Ao longo das últimas décadas surgiram novas abordagens terapêuticas cirúrgicas e não-cirúrgicas que melhoraram a sobrevivência e a qualidade de vida (QoL) destes pacientes. Deve-se estabelecer uma abordagem multidisciplinar e individualizada para garantir a melhor reabilitação.