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Introduction: The epidemiology and prognosis of the isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are well studied. However, the knowledge of the impact of concurrent neurotrauma is very limited. Research questions: To characterize the longitudinal incidence of concurrent TBI and SCI and to investigate their combined impact on clinical care and outcomes, compared to a comparative but isolated SCI or TBI. Materials and methods: Data from 167,793 patients in the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) registry collected in England and Wales between 2008 and 2018 were analysed. Tandem neurotrauma was defined as patients with concurrent TBI and SCI. The patient with isolated TBI or SCI was matched to the patient with tandem neurotrauma using propensity scores. Results: The incidence of tandem neurotrauma increased tenfold between 2008 and 2018, from 0.21 to 2.21 per 100,000 person-years. Patients in the tandem neurotrauma group were more likely to require multiple surgeries, ICU admission, longer ICU and hospital LOS, higher 30-day mortality, and were more likely to be transferred to acute hospitals and rehabilitation or suffer death at discharge, compared to patients with isolated TBI. Likewise, individuals with tandem neurotrauma compared to those with isolated SCI had a higher tendency to receive more than one surgery, ICU admission, longer LOS for ICU and higher mortality either at 30-day follow-up or at discharge. Discussion and conclusions: The incidence of tandem neurotrauma has increased steadily during the past decade. Its occurrence leads to greater mortality and care requirements, particularly when compared to TBI alone. Further investigations are warranted to improve outcomes in tandem neurotrauma.
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BACKGROUND: A 36-year-old male sustained fracture of first lumbar vertebra, splenic tear and paraplegia in a motorcycle accident in 2001; splenectomy was performed. CASE PRESENTATION: In 2008, he presented with temperature and feeling rough. With a diagnosis of urine infection, he was prescribed ciprofloxacin, followed by trimethoprim, amoxicillin, and gentamicin, as temperature did not subside. White cell count was 21.2 x 109/L; lymphocytes were 13.05 x 109/L (1.00 - 4.00). Therefore, computerised tomography (CT) of chest and abdomen was performed. Thrombus was present in pulmonary arteries bilaterally involving the lobar and segmental branches. Enlarged lymph nodes were seen in axillae, chest, abdomen and inguinal regions. Radiological diagnosis was lymphoma. Cell marker showed an excess of large granular lymphocytes and activated lymphocytes. The Glandular Fever Slide Test was positive. Subsequently, Paul Bunnell test was also positive. Epstein Barr virus serology was consistent with recent Epstein Barr virus infection. Antibiotic was omitted; enoxaparin was prescribed for pulmonary artery thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Learning points from this case: (1) Although routine administration of antibiotic to a spinal cord injury patient with pyrexia may be acceptable in outpatient setting, other possibilities such as infection by multi-drug resistant organism, viral infection, venous or, arterial thrombosis should be considered if a patient does not respond promptly to antibacterial therapy. (2) When full blood count showed lymphocytosis (comprising > 50% of white blood cells) with atypical morphology, lymphocyte surface markers, Paul Bunnell test, and Epstein Barr virus serology should be performed. These tests would have led to a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis, and abdominal imaging studies could have been avoided. (3) Lymphoid hyperplasia is the hallmark of infectious mononucleosis; therefore, we should have suspected glandular fever rather than lymphoma when CT scan revealed enlarged lymph nodes in abdomen, mediastinum, axillae and inguinal regions in this patient, who had lymphocytosis with atypical morphology. (4) A soft tissue mass, situated inferior to left hemidiaphragm in this asplenic patient, was misinterpreted as lymph nodes; review of CT led to the correct diagnosis of splenunculus. (5) Acute infection with Epstein Barr virus may lead to transient induction of anti-phospholipid antibodies, which can cause vascular thrombosis. (6) This case illustrates the value of reviewing test results and discussion with senior doctors, as these measures help to recognize medical errors and improve patient care.