1,720,968 research outputs found
Full-Face Snorkeling Masks Carry a Risk of Hypercapnia and Drowning in Younger Children: A Case Series
Full text linkBackground: Recently, a new type of full-face snorkeling mask (FFSM), called “Easy-breath” masks, has become extremely popular both in adults and children due to their effective marketing and relative comfort. However, these masks are complex engineering systems that, in case of malfunctioning or if used by young children, may readily cause CO2 rebreathing, especially in young children. Case Presentation: We present three cases of children under six years of age admitted to the emergency department, with two of them due to non-fatal drowning incidents and one following a cardiac arrest induced by drowning. All incidents occurred during brief submersions while using full-face snorkeling masks. Conclusions: When inappropriately used by younger children, full-face snorkeling masks may have a mechanical dead space larger than tidal volume, with a significant increased risk of rebreathing of CO2 and consequent risk for hypercapnic hypoxia. The hypercapnia may cause dizziness and respiratory distress, while hypoxia may cause confusion. Both may lead to loss of consciousness, which could be a potential cause of drowning, particularly in younger children
Infectious spondylodiscitis and kyphosis correction in an infant: a case report
Full text linkAbstract Background Neonatal infectious spondylodiscitis is a rare bony infection with atypical clinical presentation and non-specific systemic symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed resulting in vertebral destruction and severe complications. We retrospectively reviewed the case of an infant with infectious spondylodiscitis resulting in T12 body destruction and marked angular kyphosis. Case-report A 4-week-old infant developed an infectious spondylodiscitis resulting in destruction of the T12 vertebral body and involvement of disc between T12 and L1. At 6 months of age, X-ray showed a marked thoracolumbar angular kyphosis above 50 Cobb degrees. Therefore, the patient underwent single time surgery with double anterior and posterior approach. At 9 years follow up, clinical and radiological findings show a stable correction with good aesthetic appearance. Conclusion Neonatal spondylodiscitis could lead to marked kyphosis similar to the congenital one. Since treatment with casts and tutors is often inefficacious, prompt surgery should be considered. The double anterior and posterior approach is the best option in this condition
When a lymphatic malformation determines a bowel volvulus: Are clinical status and images always reliable?
No full textINTRODUCTION: An acute abdomen in the form of small-bowel volvulus could be a presentation of a lymphatic malformation in childhood.
CASE PRESENTATION:
A 5year old male was admitted to our Institute for an acute abdomen. Clinical aspects and radiological images were not specific for a certain diagnosis. Laparotomy revealed a big soft mass, with a milky content, completely involving about 50cm of ileus with a partial volvulus of the intestinal loop. A complete mass excision and also a bowel involved resection were performed. After a histological examination, a lymphatic malformation was diagnosed.
DISCUSSION:
The diagnosis of a mesenteric lymphatic malformation could be intraoperative and a complete resection should be the treatment of choice. Sometimes it could be necessary to perform an involved bowel tract resection in the case of volvolus with ischemia.
CONCLUSIONS:
Paediatricians and surgeons should bare in mind that an intrabdominal lymphatic malformation may present as a nonspecific an acute abdomen caused by a bowel volvolus and diagnosis may not be so simple preoperativel
Lo scroto acuto
No full textLo scroto acuto è una causa comune di valutazione medica per bambini e adolescenti. Il ritardo nella diagnosi nel caso della torsione testicolare può portare ad un danno ischemico per le gonadi. La storia medica ed il risultati clinici non sono sempre chiaramente indicativi di una causa piuttosto che l'altra, laddove la eco-color-doppler sarà in grado di fornire risultati utili a guidare la diagnosi. La valutazione chirurgica è essenziale nei casi in cui vi sia un dubbio diagnostico
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