Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) still remains a serious illness with high morbidity and mortality. The characteristic presentation of HSE usually consists of fever, headache, and altered mental function. We present three patients with atypical features of HSE. First, a 48-year-old man with symptomatic posttraumatic epilepsy, who developed a gastrointestinal infection, seizures, and fever. After significant clinical improvement, the patient had fever again and developed a status epilepticus, which led to the diagnosis of HSE. Second, an 84-year-old woman with hyperactive delirium after levofloxacin intake. Cranial computed tomography (CCT) revealed hypodense temporal changes, prompting lumbar puncture and diagnosis of HSE. Third, a 51-year-old diabetic woman presented with fever and acute confusion. As CCT and cell count of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were normal, infection and hyperglycemia as initial diagnoses were postulated. Due to aphasic symptoms, the differential diagnosis of a stroke was taken into account. Thus a second lumbar puncture led to the correct diagnosis of HSE. These atypical presentations need a high grade of suspicion and a high willingness to reconsider the initial working diagnosis, in order to prevent a diagnostic delay.

BackgroundCerebral air embolism (CAE) is a critical clinical condition necessitating rapid diagnosis and therapeutic measures.MethodsThe authors describe two patients with lethal CAE.ResultsAn 81-year-old man rapidly developed coma with tetraplegia. CT-scan revealed prominent CAE whereby the entry of the air was via a port catheter for parenteral nutrition. A 45-year-old man with severe alcohol-toxic multiple organ damage needed endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and a second esophagogastroscopy. After an epileptic seizure, the CT-scan of the brain showed small amounts of cerebral air in the posterior right hemisphere and in the sagittal superior sinus. Despite critical care the patient died.ConclusionCAE is a neurocritical emergency case. Early CT-scan of the brain can detect air, guide further therapy, and contribute to the assessment of the prognosis.

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Neuro-ophthalmological signs and symptoms are common in the emergency department but are a frequent source of diagnostic uncertainties. However, neuro-ophthalmological signs often allow a precise neuro-topographical localization of the clinical problem. A practical concept is presented how to perform a neuro-ophthalmological examination at the bedside and to interpret key findings under the aspect of emergency medicine with limited resources.

Major complications of thrombolysis are intracranial and extracranial bleedings. Compartment syndrome (CS) as a serious adverse event is sparsely reported. The purpose of the study is to present a systematic review of the literature on this complication based on a case vignette. A PubMed and Google Scholar search on CS following thrombolysis was performed. Twenty-four patients (11 male, 11 female, 2 not noted; median age 66 years, range 19-85 years) with thrombolysis associated CS were identified. Fifteen patients had thrombolysis with rtPA, 4 patients with streptokinase, 3 patients with urokinase, and 2 patients with tenecteplase. In 15 cases, CS affected the upper limb, and in 9 cases the lower limb. Indication for thrombolysis was myocardial infarction in 11 patients, arterial occlusion of the leg in 6 patients, pulmonary embolism in 4 patients, stroke in 2 patients, and deep venous thrombosis in 1 patient. In addition, in 15 cases, aspirin/ticlopidin, and/or heparin in therapeutic dosages had been prescribed. In 15 cases manipulations of the affected limb had been preceding. In both stroke patients, a hidden fracture was later diagnosed. The median time to the diagnosis of CS was 12 h (2 h-3 days). Therapy was mostly surgical with fasciotomy. The outcome of CS was favorable in 14 cases. However, in 5 cases, nerve damage persisted, and amputation was indicated in 2 patients. CS following thrombolysis is a rare condition. As predisposing factors different manipulations, hidden fracture and pronounced antithrombotic therapy are encountered.

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Autoimmune processes with positive autoantibodies directed against gangliosides can be found in cranial neuropathy. Based on these observations an immunomodulating therapy should be considered.