Interdisciplinary Therapeutic Approach Research Articles

Clinical profile of Brazilian patients with temporomandibular joint disorder and orofacial pain: A 20-year retrospective study

ObjectiveTemporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) comprises several musculoskeletal conditions in the orofacial region, with chronic pain and/or dysfunction involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. This study assessed the clinical characteristics of patients with TMD treated at a public tertiary care facility in Brazil. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we assessed data from adult patients attending the Center for Occlusion, TMD, and Orofacial Pain at a Brazilian school of dentistry, from 2000 to 2020. Data from eligible charts were collected: demographic variables, clinical complaints, location of pain, pain intensity (10-point VAS), duration of treatment, and therapeutic procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at the 0.05 significance level. ResultsThe sample consisted of 2324 patients (79.4 % females) with a median age of 38 years and median duration of treatment of 35 days. Major clinical complaints were craniofacial pain (including in the TMJ region) (82.9 %), self-reported bruxism (clenching/grinding) (44.6 %), and clicking/crepitation (39.1 %). Craniofacial pain was associated with female gender and age of 39 years and older, but not with bruxism. The most frequent procedures were counseling (96.5 %), exercises (47.5 %), occlusal splints (18.5 %), and physiotherapy (13.8 %). Reduction in pain intensity was moderately associated with multiple (3 or more) therapies and longer duration of treatment. ConclusionIt can be concluded that the patients presented a diversity of clinical characteristics requiring individualized treatment. A multimodal, interdisciplinary therapeutic approach, including counseling, appears to benefit most patients with TMD-related pain.

Sleep disorders in patients with heart diseases - present knowledge

Abstract Introduction The problem of sleep disorders plays a significant role in the functioning of people in the contemporary world, particularly affecting cardiac patients. It entails a series of consequences that impact health. The study analyzed the occurrence of sleep disorders among cardiac patients. Purpose The project aimed to assess the available literature regarding described sleep disorders in patients with cardiovascular diseases and to analyze the impact of sleep disorders on the functioning of cardiac patients. Methods Materials available in PubMed and Google Scholar were analyzed using keywords such as "sleep disorders," "insomnia," "cardiovascular disease," "heart attack," "heart failure," "hypertension," "coronary artery disease" in various configurations. A comprehensive analysis of publications was conducted to identify studies on sleep disorders in cardiac patients, focusing on risk factors and management strategies for sleep problems in this patient group. Results Sleep disorders occur in cardiac patients and significantly affect their health. Sleep disorders also increase cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals. Sleep disorder management methods include problem recognition, lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral interventions. A crucial aspect of care appears to be the need for diagnosing sleep problems in cardiac patients and implementing integrated multidisciplinary care. Conclusions Sleep disorders pose a significant risk for cardiac patients, requiring an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach. Future research should assess the scale of sleep disorders in cardiac patients in Poland, as well as identify factors influencing sleep disorders in this patient group. Subsequently, treatment strategies and integrated care should be developed.

Nutrition and movement to improve quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis: the NUMOQUA study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) has long been considered as a degenerative disease of cartilage tissue resulting from bodily wear and tear. However, there is accumulating evidence that inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of OA. In knee OA, the most common form of OA, exercise therapy as an effective component of early treatment addresses functional deficits, pain and inflammation. Since inflammation is critical for the development and progress of OA, anti-inflammatory therapies must be combined strategically.In the course of the NUMOQUA project, an anti-inflammatory therapeutic diet named ‘Austrian Osteoarthritis Cuisine’ was developed. It is based on the framework of the New Nordic Diet combined with the food-based dietary guidelines of Austria, the guidelines for OA, the Austrian food culture and the principles of a sustainable diet. The present study examines the implementation of the ‘Austrian OA Cuisine’ combined with the evidence-based training programme GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark) in Austrian patients with knee OA and the effects on quality of life, nutritional and inflammatory status, as well as oxidative stress parameters.MethodsA total of 60 participants aged 50 to 75 with knee OA will be included and randomly assigned either to the intervention group or the control group. All participants will undergo the GLA:D® programme in the first 6 weeks. Additionally, the intervention group will receive nutritional group training and individual nutritional counselling on the ‘Austrian OA Cuisine’ over 9 months. The control group will receive general information about a healthy lifestyle. Measurements at baseline and at 4 follow-up dates include nutritional, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, anthropometric, behavioural and clinical data will be obtained. The recruitment process lasted from autumn 2022 to January 2024, followed by the intervention until October 2024.DiscussionThe prevalence of OA is expected to increase in the future due to ongoing demographic changes and rising obesity rates. The expected results will provide important evidence on whether this interdisciplinary therapeutic approach could be a new, cost-effective and sustainable strategy to address the disease process of OA without negative side effects.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05955300. Date of registration: 23rd of October 2023.

Syntropy - gastroesophageal reflux disease and ischemic heart disease - diagnostic methods and treatment tactics

Introduction. Studies describe chest pain as the common symptom for the association of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and coronary artery disease (ICD). Among the patients evaluated at the emergency department for chest pain >50% do not show signs of coronary ischemia and require further investigation. Materials and methods. The study was carried out by searching the articles that were published in the period 2016-2023, using the PubMed, NCIB, Medscape, Mendeley databases, using the keywords: „GERD”, „coronary artery disease”, „diagnosis” , „treatment”, as well as their association. Results. Both nosologies are clinically manifested by chest pain caused by gastrointestinal acid irritation, which activates the vagal reflex, and endothelial dysfunction, which causes ischemia and coronary vasoconstriction. Paraclinical findings are characterized by increased levels of IL1,6,8 and NO metabolites involved in disease pathogenesis. ECG and pH measurement for 24 h are sufficient at the first stage to determine the cause of attacks of recurrent chest pain. PPIs are the first line of treatment for chest pain relief in these patients. Conclusions. GERD and BCI represent diseases with a global impact, and the interdisciplinary therapeutic approach of these diseases, culminating in a targeted treatment program, determines the improvement of symptoms with an improvement of the patient’s quality of life.

Stiff Skin Syndrome: Clinical Exploration, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Advances in a Rare Connective Tissue Disease

Stiff Skin Syndrome, also known as "diffuse stiff skin syndrome" or "Scleroderma-like syndrome with focal contracture", is a rare and complex clinical entity in the spectrum of connective tissue diseases. This disorder is characterized by progressive and diffuse infiltration of connective tissue into the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in extreme skin stiffness and limited joint mobility. In addition to its cutaneous and joint manifestations, stiff skin syndrome can affect multiple internal organs, making it a clinical entity of great multidisciplinary relevance. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of stiff skin syndrome, addressing its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and current therapeutic options. Recent research that has shed light on the underlying molecular mechanisms and emerging therapies that are being developed to improve the quality of life of patients affected by this disease are highlighted. In addition, the importance of a comprehensive evaluation and an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach to optimize the clinical management of individuals with rigid skin syndrome is highlighted.

Encapsulation of stem-cell derived β-cells: A promising approach for the treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an auto-immune disease causing the T-cell mediated destruction of insulin-producing β-cells, resulting in chronic hyperglycemia. Current treatments such as insulin replacement therapy or the transplantation of pancreas or pancreatic islets present major disadvantages such as the constant need of drugs, as well as a shortage of donor organs. In this review, we discuss a sustainable solution to overcome these limitations combining the use of β-cells, derived from stem cells, and their encapsulation within a protective matrix. This article provides an exhaustive overview of currently investigated stem cell sources including embryonic, mesenchymal as well as induced pluripotent stem cells in combination with various up to date encapsulation methods allowing the formation of immuno-protective devices. In order to identify current limitations of this interdisciplinary therapeutic approach and to find sustainable solutions, it is essential to consider key aspects from all involved domains. This includes biological parameters such as the stem cell origin but also the different aspects of the encapsulation process, the used materials and their physico-chemical properties such as elasticity, porosity and permeability cut-off as well as the best implantation sites allowing efficient and self-autonomous control of glycemia by the transplanted encapsulated cells.

Successful rehabilitation program after AIS/Frankel C paraplegia through a recently operated lumbar disc hernia

Intervertebral disc herniation is the pathological process by which fragments of the nucleus pul-posus tear the fibers of the annulus fibrosus and come into contact with the root of the spinal nerve (1). The most significant functional damage generated by the lumbar disc herniation is paraplegia and can be ameliorated by an early and staged specific rehabilitation program. Materials and Methods: This paper presents the case of a 56-year-old patient who was admitted to the Neurosurgery Clinic (NCH) III of SCUBA for low back pain and motor deficit, AIS Frankel C paraplegia. The left lower limb was more affected than the right one. It occurred following a thoraco-lumbar medullary compression and a paramedian lumbar disc herniation L3. The pa-tient was treated surgically. Subsequently, the patient was transferred to the Neuro-Muscular Recovery Clinic of SCUBA for the specific rehabilitation treatment, with indication for mobiliza-tion. He was dynamically evaluated using the following scales: quality of life assessment (QOL), modified Ashworth scale, Functional Assessment Classification, FAC, Activities of daily living (ADL), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), evaluation of muscle strength on Medical Re-search Council, MRC, scale, evaluation of American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). Results: The patient benefited from a complex program of neuro-muscular rehabilitation, hav-ing a favorable evolution with an improving score of the evaluating scales and finally gaining his gait balance, including ascending and descending stairs (instrumentally assisted for left plan-tar dorsiflexion movement with orthosis walking). At discharge the patient’s neurological defi-cit was reclassified as AIS D paraplegia, with the neurogenic bladder and bowel having been remitted. Discussions: The disc herniation at L3 level generated a cauda equina syndrome, which initially generated a paraplegia. When the inflammation remitted it became clear that the left L4 root was affected, with a complete deficit of plantar dorsiflexion. In conclusion it was not a case of spinal cord syndrome (as the spinal cord ends at L2 level) or conus medullaris syndrome. Conclusions: The interdisciplinary therapeutic approach together with a specific, customized re-habilitation program for a patient with AIS C paraplegia after a surgically treated disc hernia is successfully improving the neuromuscular deficit and upgrading the patient's quality of life. Keywords: rehabilitation, disc hernia, low back pain, paraplegia

How the brain perceives the world in old age with all senses

Aging is amultidimensional process that may lead to physical, psychological and social changes. This is predominantly due to adecline of sensory functions and their central processing. Selective literature search in Medline and the Cochrane Library. In addition to specific disorders of the sensory organs, unspecific age-related degenerative processes are responsible for the high prevalence of sensory limitations in older people. This can lead to asignificant reduction in the quality of life. Balance impairment, decreasing function of hearing, vision, smell and the somatosensory system are associated with an increased risk of falling and an increased mortality in older people. Furthermore, there is evidence for alink between hearing loss and cognitive decline. In addition to the functional ability of every sense on its own, the integration of multiple sensory perceptions plays an increasing role in age-related sensory limitations. Sensory impairments have to be considered when working with older people. Early detection and an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach can reduce the negative consequences. Multimodal stimulation appears to stimulate brain plasticity which helps to compensate age-related changes.

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) and School Failure in a 12- Year- Old Girl Suffering from Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM): Interdisciplinary Therapeutic Approach

School performance, especially in children with SLD (SLD), is adversely affected by the coexistence of a chronic physical illness, such as Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) (previously called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes).

Investigation of Risk Factors for Pain Chronification in Patients Suffering from Infections of the Spine.

Background: Spinal infections represent a therapeutic challenge. The often protracted course of the disease is accompanied by pain, which can lead to a chronic pain experience even after the infectious disease has been treated successfully. The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors of pain chronification. Methods: In a prospective study, 14 patients with spinal infections were examined at admission (T1), at discharge from inpatient therapy (T2), and three to eight months postoperatively (T3) byquestionnaires on risk factors for pain chronification and by quantitative sensory testing (QST). Results: In-patient treatment lasted on average 45.3 days (±33.13). The patients complained of pain for 3.43 months (±2.77) prior to inpatient treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain (0–10) and the Oswestry Disability Index detected significant improvement in the course of the study. However, patients also reported catastrophic thinking, as well as fear of movement and (re)-injury. Conclusion: In summary, our results demonstrate that patients with spinal infections did not suffer from pain chronification, but might benefit from an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach, which emphasizes promoting active pain-coping strategies, as well as addressing fear of movement and catastrophic thinking.

The Relationship between Suicide and Oxidative Stress in a Group of Psychiatric Inpatients.

Diagnosis of suicide risk is a clinical challenge requiring an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach. Except for psychological explanation of the suicidal mechanism, there is evidence that it is associated with brain chemistry disturbances as oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to explore the role of oxidative stress components in suicidality comparing subjects at different stages of suicide. The study included psychiatric inpatients aged 18–64 (n = 48) with different psychiatric diagnoses. Blood specimens were collected from subjects and tested for oxidative stress biomarkers: superoxide dismutase (SOD), dityrozine (DT), oxidative stress index (OSI), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC trolox), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total oxidant status (TOS), catalase (CAT), advanced glycoxidation end products (AGE), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). The Columbia Severity Suicide Scale (C-SSRS) was used for suicidality assessment. Subjects with a history of suicide ideations over the last three months had significantly higher levels of NOX, AOPP, and OSI. There was no significant relationship to any oxidative stress component levels either with a history of suicide behaviors or with suicide attempts over the last three months. The levels of NOX and AOPP were both positively correlated to the intensity of suicidal thoughts. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between a number of suicide attempts during a lifetime with AGE and DT and negative with CAT. Similarly, the subjects with a history of suicide attempts had significantly higher AGE and DT levels and lower CAT values. The study confirmed that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of suicide and specific oxidative stress measures vary in suicidal and non-suicidal psychiatric inpatients.

Endoscopy-assisted extraction of orbital and nasal foreign body

Penetrating orbital injury with a foreign body is a complex problem that requires an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach. Conventionally, an external approach using either transconjuntival or transseptal entry is used by an ophthalmologist. However, there is a risk of damage to the optic nerve and orbital tissue using only the traditional approach. This study concerns a 36-year-old male who has an intra-orbital foreign body (OrbFB). Timely three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography scan demonstrated an 8-cm-long intra-OrbFB adjacent to the optic nerve penetrating to the contralateral nasal cavity. Endoscopic inspection confirmed a chopstick fragment. Assisted by transnasal endoscopy, the chopstick penetrating from the orbit to the nasal cavity was smoothly removed. Nasal endoscopy is useful for an ophthalmologist in removing foreign body in the orbit.

Detection of arrhythmia using an implantable cardiac monitor following a cryptogenic stroke: a single-center observational study

BackgroundDetection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke (CS) has therapeutic implications, but the most effective type and optimal duration of monitoring have still to be defined. This study that involved patients with CS or transient ischemic attack (TIA), all of whom carried an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM), sought to assess the incidence of AF and other arrhythmia detected using tele-monitoring or interval-based follow-up by an internal cardiologist at the university medical center of Rostock (UMR) or an external cardiologist.MethodsThe ICM implantation was performed during the inpatient stay in the neurology department, with inclusion and exclusion criteria jointly determined by the neurology and cardiology departments. Cardiologists programmed individual threshold values during ICM implantation, which were designed to instantly trigger an episode being recording and an alarm message being sent out. Outpatient care consisted of tele-monitoring of implants or interval-based follow-up care.ResultsThe indication for ICM implantation was made for 102 patients, 88 of whom underwent ICM implantation, with full documentation available for these 88 study patients. Within a median observation period of 21.5 months, AF occurred in 19 patients, with a median observation time to the event of 7 months. In all cases, AF detection was followed by immediate medical intervention. Comparing patients with and without AF revealed that the median age of the AF group exceeded by 10 years that of the other patients. Stroke recurrence was recorded in five patients, with a median observation time to the event of 9 months. Comparing patients with and without stroke recurrence revealed that the median age in the stroke recurrence group tended to be higher by 14 years. No statistically significant between-group differences were found with regard to integration into tele-monitoring, nor were there any differences identified between outpatient care at the UMR or in the outpatient sector.ConclusionsThis study confirmed the feasibility of using an interdisciplinary and intersectoral therapeutic approach for monitoring CS patients with implanted ICMs. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm these encouraging data. An open discussion concerning optimal care forms and opportunities for introducing digitizing care pathways appears warranted.

Fat embolism syndrome case in woman presenting with a multiple injury following a traffic accident successfully treated using interdisciplinary approach - case report

BACKGROUND: A potential complication of extensive injuries is an episode of fat embolism, also referred to as fat embolism syndrome. The main causes of fat embolism include long bone and pelvic fractures. Symptoms of fat embolism may also develop after elective orthopedic surgery, removal of subcutaneous fat tissue, multiple rib fractures, acute pancreatitis, or parenteral nutrition with fat-containing products.Most of the possible clinical signs are non-specific. The triad of clinical signs including gas exchange disorders in the lungs, central nervous system disorders, and bloody petechiae on the skin makes fat embolism syndrome diagnosis much easier. However, the final diagnosis is based on meeting one large criterion, four small criteria, and one laboratory criterion in accordance with Gurd’s assumptions. METHODS : Manuscript description a case of 44-year-old woman with a multiple injury following a traffic accident. Computed tomography revealed a extensive head injury, numerous fractures of ribs, transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae and right scapula. As a result of the injuries developed full-blown fat embolism syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of appropriate knowledge of the pathomechanism and clinical presentation of fat embolism syndrome and interdisciplinary therapeutic team approach. A quick correct diagnosis is crucial to improve treatment results. Access to laboratory and imaging tests considerably facilitates the diagnostic process, which should be followed by optimal therapeutic management. The lack of a golden standard of treatment necessitates a flexible and interdisciplinary therapeutic approach.

Use of the Multidisciplinary Specialised Case Conference at the Freiburg Orbital Centre

The treatment of tumors increasingly takes place in specialised interdisciplinary centres. Therapeutic decisions are usually made at case conferences. Ophthalmologists, oromaximillofacial surgeons, ENT physicians, neurosurgeons, as well as pediatricians, radiotherapists and radiologists are all involved in the treatment of orbital diseases. The aim of this article is to present the concept of a multidisciplinary case conference for orbital diseases and to analyse case numbers, indications, and the influence on the patient's therapy. We analysed an anonymized data set of patients who presented in the case conference of the University Hospital Freiburg from 2008 to 2018 with regard to clinical diagnosis, histological diagnoses, number of surgical interventions, and number of interdisciplinary therapy decisions. From 2008 to 2018, 545 patients were presented in a weekly conference. Of these, 453 were available for anonymous evaluation. The median age was 56 years (quartiles 41; 69). The most frequent indication was an orbital tumour of unclear malignancy (n = 52; 11%). Further indications included Grave's orbitopathy (n = 39; 9%), orbital pseudotumour (n = 36; 8%), cranial nerve palsy (n = 22; 5%), and orbital lymphoma (n = 22; 5%). The most frequent histological diagnoses were B-cell lymphoma (n = 10; 2%), venous malformation (cavernoma, n = 8; 2%), marginal zone lymphoma (n = 8; 2%), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 6; 1%). An interdisciplinary therapeutic approach was defined for 174 patients. A high demand for the interdisciplinary case conference was demonstrated. The high rate of primary or secondary interdisciplinary decisions indicates the value of such a conference. Hence, the patient is spared multiple examinations in the individual specialist areas and quick and effective therapy decisions can be achieved.

Aspecte clinice, paraclinice şI abordarea terapeutică interdisciplinară la un pacient tânăr, cu hemiplegie post accident vascular ischemic (AVC), adenom hipofizar şI tromboză venoasă profundă (TVP) crurală

Introduction. Stroke is a pathological condition that generates “neurological clinical signs, global or localized, of cerebral dysfunction with symptoms that last more 24 hours, having vascular origin” and it is considered the first cause of disability at global level and the second one for mortality worldwide. Stroke can deter-mine severe or rather permanent sequels, which need, for patients' recovery and rehabilitation, important medical support. Material and method. This paper presents the case of a young 39-year-old patient, hospitalized at the Neurosurgery Clinic (NS) III of TEHBA for left hemiplegia and consciousness crises, and after specific paraclinical investigations (cerebral CT, cerebral Angio- MRI) is discovered in addition to the right ischemic sylvian stroke, an intracranial expansive seller and paraseller process with extension into the left ventricular sinus (pituitary adenoma). Initially, a neurological treatment and a rehabilitation nursing was performed in the Neuro-Muscular Rehabilitation Clinic Division of SCUBA until neurological stabilization, after which, in NS III Clinic, after an endocrinological control followed by specialized treatment, transsphenoidal surgery was performed, practicing subtotal ablation of the tumor. Subsequently, in our clinic, the patient continued the rehabilitation treatment. He was evaluated functionally in dynamic using the scales: Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), Rankin scale, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Quality of Life (QOL) Evaluation, modified Ashworth scale, FAC International scale, instrumental/activities of daily living (ADL/IADL). During hospitalization, he presented a high-left deep vein thrombosis (DVT) episode that was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound, monitored by ultrasound re-evaluations and treated with low molecular weight heparin. Results. After DVT remission, the patient benefited from a complex neuro-muscular rehabilitation program, having a favorable evolution, with an increase in the scores of the evaluated scales and thus with a final performance of walking with a quad-point support cane, including climbing/descending stairs. Discussions and conclusions. The interdisciplinary therapeutic approach at a young patient with neuro-endocrine pathology, complicated by DVT, culminating with a specific rehabilitation program, results in neuro-locomotor improvements with an increase in patient’s quality of life.

Strategies for treatment of dystonia.

Treatment of dystonias is generally symptomatic. To produce sufficient therapy effects, therefore, frequently a multimodal and interdisciplinary therapeutic approach becomes necessary, combining botulinum toxin therapy, deep brain stimulation, oral antidystonic drugs, adjuvant drugs and rehabilitation therapy including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, re-training, speech therapy, psychotherapy and sociotherapy. This review presents the recommendations of the IAB-Interdisciplinary Working Group for Movement Disorders Special Task Force on Interdisciplinary Treatment of Dystonia. It reviews the different therapeutic modalities and outlines a strategy to adapt them to the dystonia localisation and severity of the individual patient. Hints to emerging and future therapies will be given.

Clinical management of pruritus.

The care of patients with chronic pruritus as a symptom of a wide variety of underlying diseases continues to confront dermatologists with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. However, a structured history and a physical examination may already substantially help in narrowing down the number of potential differential diagnoses. Apart form reducing the intensity of pruritus, identification and appropriate treatment of the underlying disease are important needs of patients. If these goals doesn't lead to improvement of itch, current guidelines provide a number of topical and systemic therapies for symptomatic treatment. Various skin lesions (for example, xerosis caused by irritant substances, secondary scratch lesions) prompt patients to consult a dermatologist, but most cases require an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach to identify potential internal medicine, neurologic, or psychosomatic aspects. Although great strides have been made in basic research, specific therapies are still rare, and a precise knowledge of the legal framework for the implementation of guidelines (for example, off-label use) is essential. This CME article gives an overview of the causes of and treatment options for chronic pruritus and discusses both advances in basic research as well as progress in clinical knowledge.

Diagnosis and therapy of an acute abdomen

Patients with signs of an acute abdomen continue to be a challenge for both the emergency physician and the intensivist. Clinical symptoms usually result from secondary peritonitis possibly progressing to intraabdominal sepsis. Critically ill patients need rapid diagnostic work-up and an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach. Among patients with secondary peritonitis, those with postoperative peritonitis (e.g., after anastomotic leakage) show a particularly high mortality because of unspecific symptoms. Beyond routine diagnostic procedures, patients with an acute abdomen often require a CT scan which helps to detect the septic focus, thereby often allowing an interventional source control. Therapy consists of three main elements: source control, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, and supportive intensive care medicine.

Intracranial complications as a manifestation of clinical onset in a patient with prolonged insidious evolution of ear pathology

Infectious processes and ear cholesteatoma may have prolonged, insidious evolution (for years), leading in some cases to life threatening intracranial complications and/or severe neurologic risk (1). The pathways for spreading the infection to the intracranial structures are: directly by bone erosion, by blood or by preformed anatomical spaces (2). The cases in which the insidious middle ear and mastoid pathology is revealed directly by the manifestations of intracranial complications require unhesitating interdisciplinary therapeutic approach through collaboration between ENT, neurology, neurosurgery, radiology and infectious diseases (1). We present the case of a 58 years old patient who presented complex neurological deficits as a way of clinical onset for an insidious suppurative middle ear and mastoid pathology.