No abstract

Deep neck abscesses are dangerous. Artificial dermis combined with seal negative pressure drainage is a new technique for treating refractory wounds. To compare the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) with that of traditional incision drainage approaches for treating deep neck multiple spaces infections. This retrospective analysis includes patient data from our hospital collected from January 2010 to March 2020. A total of 20 cases were identified. Based on the treatment methods, the patients were divided into the VSD group and the traditional group. Inflammation indicators (white blood count, WBC), duration of antibiotic use, hospitalization time, doctors’ workload (frequency of dressing changes) and treatment cost were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Of the 20 patients, 11 patients underwent treatment with VSD, while the other 9 underwent traditional treatment. All patients were cured after treatment. Compared with the traditional group, the VSD group had a slower decline in the inflammation index, shorter duration of antibiotic use, shorter hospital stay, and lower doctor workloads ( P < .001). There was no significant difference in treatment cost between the two groups ( P > .05). VSD technology can markedly improve the therapeutic effect of deep neck multiple spaces infection. This treatment method can be used to rapidly control infections and is valuable in the clinic ( P > .05).

BackgroundCardiac sarcoidosis (CS) accounts for a substantial morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of CS is important to prevent such detrimental consequences. A definite diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis remains challenging. Even after the diagnosis of CS is established, the appropriate dose and duration of corticosteroids in the treatment of CS have not been well-defined.Case summaryIn this report, we discuss a case of a 50-year-old man who presented with recurrent syncope. Electrocardiogram revealed sinus rhythm with left bundle branch block. Telemetry captured high-grade atrioventricular block. Coronary angiogram showed no coronary artery disease. Left ventriculography revealed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35–40%. A dual-chamber pacemaker was implanted. Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed mid-myocardial scarring suggestive of sarcoidosis. Computed tomography of the chest showed lymphadenopathy. Transbronchial biopsy was unrevealing; however, mediastinoscopy and lymph node biopsy showed non-caseating granulomas diagnostic of sarcoidosis. He became pacemaker dependent as noted in outpatient pacemaker interrogations. A biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator upgrade was performed for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. He was started on prednisone taper over the course of 6 months. After 1-year, his LVEF improved to 55% and native atrioventricular (AV) conduction had recovered as noted in outpatient device interrogations.DiscussionThis case highlights the importance to include CS in the differential diagnosis of a young patient with conduction system disease and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy for appropriate treatment. Patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and AV nodal disease could potentially benefit from a slow prednisone taper over the course of 6 months.

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Conclusion: This is a rare clinical manifestation of Tuberculous meningitis that demonstrates the importance of recognising and initiating the treatment early to reduce disabilities and improve clinical outcome.