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Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine 1/2010

Open Access 01-03-2010 | Clinical Images

Unexpected death from a colloid cyst

Authors: Christian Hohenstein, Steffen Herdtle

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Colloid cysts are usually benign brain tumors, which rarely cause acute neurological deterioration with sudden death due to an acute increase of intracranial pressure. So far, the final pathophysiology and clinical signs of impending death are unclear in this context.

Aim

We present a case of an adolescent who presented with symptoms similar to gastroenteritis.

Results

He unexpectedly developed a generalized seizure, acute pulmonary edema and life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmia.

Conclusion

Subtle distinctions between symptoms due to intracranial hypertension, which typically cause headache and vomiting, and true gastroenteritis are discussed as well as the pathophysiology of neurogenic pulmonary edema and the origin of cerebral-triggered cardiac dysrhythmias.
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Metadata
Title
Unexpected death from a colloid cyst
Authors
Christian Hohenstein
Steffen Herdtle
Publication date
01-03-2010
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12245-009-0153-4

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