Métastase septique dorsale secondaire d’un abcès rétropharyngé responsable d’une tétraparésie

in Revue Neurologique (2011), 167(8-9), 638-640

Introduction: Peri-tonsillar abscess remains one of the most frequent serous complications of oropharyngeal or dental infections. It can evolve to parapharyngeal and/or retropharyngeal spaces. It can be ... [more ▼]

Introduction: Peri-tonsillar abscess remains one of the most frequent serous complications of oropharyngeal or dental infections. It can evolve to parapharyngeal and/or retropharyngeal spaces. It can be life-threatning and, more rarely, neurological complications are described. Observations: We report the case of a 56 year old woman who developed within few days a progressive tetraparesia due to cervical medullary compression. This compression was consecutive to an epidurite which was a complication of a retropharyngeal abscess. The only surgical act was a cervicotomy to drain the abscess and identify the pathological germ. A targeted antibiotherapy was quickly begun. The recovery was obtained rather quickly and the neurological evolution was good. After one year, the cervical spine presents a post-infectious deformation without sign of root or spinal-cord compression. Conclusion: A cervical tetraparesia induced by spondylodiscitis and epiduritis following a retropharyngeal abscess with Staphylococcus aureus is a rare complication. Adequate diagnosis, as fast as possible, is mandatory in order to carry out an adapted antibiotherapy in the hopes of a complete recovery. The place of surgery on the spine remains to be specified. [less ▲]

Cerebral processing in the minimally conscious state

in Neurology (2004), 63(5), 916-918

We studied a patient in a minimally conscious state using PET and cognitive evoked potentials. Cerebral metabolism was below half of normal values. Auditory stimuli with emotional valence ( infant cries ... [more ▼]

We studied a patient in a minimally conscious state using PET and cognitive evoked potentials. Cerebral metabolism was below half of normal values. Auditory stimuli with emotional valence ( infant cries and the patient's own name) induced a much more widespread activation than did meaningless noise; the activation pattern was comparable with that previously obtained in controls. Cognitive potentials showed preserved P300 responses to the patient's own name. [less ▲]

70. Atteintes neuromusculaires aiguës de réanimation (ANMAR) : étude électrophysiologique prospective de 56 cas

Conference (2002)

A retrospective study of EMG results for suspicion of C.I.P. (between 1994 and 1998) at the Intensive Care Unit of the CHU Liège. Analysis and comments in agreement with recent reports

Conference (1998)