Case Reports and Reviews: Open Access

Introduction: Skeletal striated muscle has the capacity to convert chemical into mechanical energy, enabling contraction that ensures body movement in the form of muscle work. Muscle deficiencies or injuries compromise the function of this tissue in the body and are classified according to their severity. This condition affects the performance of individuals in activities of daily living, as well as their quality of life. Given the potential of tissue engineering to promote muscle recovery, the aim of this narrative review is to describe techniques that promote skeletal muscle regeneration using spinal muscular atrophy as a model. Materials and Methods: Searches were performed in the following databases: United States National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) via PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs); Cochrane Library; SciVerse Scopus; Web of Science, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Results: Using biopolymers and extracellular matrices, tissue engineering attempts to recreate organic tissues capable of regenerating injured tissues or mimicking their activities. Scaffolds produced from animal extracellular matrix, as well as hydrogels and synthetic materials, have been shown to provide support for the growth of new cells in injured tissues. Conclusion: Methods developed by tissue engineering aimed at the repair of muscle injuries are important to improve the quality of life of patients. Thus, techniques using bioresorbable materials, such as decellularized biological scaffolds and hydrogels, are promising in the regeneration of muscles, contributing to the recovery of their motor capacity.

Background and Purpose: The National Institutes of Health has recognized the importance of identifying non-pharmacological interventions to promote cognitive and functional health in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FTD, which is the second most common form of dementia in individuals under the age of 65, leads to deficits in behavior, executive function, language, and motor function. The purpose of this case report is to examine a progressive strengthening and balance exercise program to improve function in an individual with FTD. Case Description: The patient was a 47- year-old male with FTD, presenting with decreased balance and generalized weakness. His history included multiple falls and frequent hospital admissions due to physical/cognitive declines. Intervention: A biweekly, 12-week plan of care was developed to address weakness and balance impairments using moderate-intensity exercises based on an efficacious intervention for individuals with dementia. Outcomes: At discharge, the following improvements were noted: 30-Second Chair Stand Test = 12 repetitions to 29 repetitions (MDC=2 repetitions). Four Square Step Test = 9.33 seconds to 5.86 seconds (indicating a non-fall risk). Dual Task Interference = dual-task cost from 50.10% to 38.49%. Agility T-Test: 19.90 seconds to 15.01 seconds (MDC=1.10 second). Discussion: Improvements in strength and balance were seen in as little as 7-14 visits. Advances were also made in agility and dual-task cost, allowing the patient to wean from daily use of his cane. Therefore, moderate-intensity exercise has the potential to improve physical function in individuals diagnosed with FTD.

The occurrence of lobar intracerebral haematomas is mainly linked to the presence of cerebral amyloid angiiopathy. The clinical presentation depends on the extend and the location of the haematoma. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy frequently occurs in patients with Alzheimer disease. Although the latter is the main cause of cognitive decline leading to dementia also isolated cerebral amyloid angiopathy can have influence on cognition. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most valuable neuroimaging technique as it is able not only to locate the lesions, but also to determine the age of the haematomas. Acute surgical evacuation of the haematoma is still the most used treatment.

Goodpasture disease is very rare, and occurs in about two cases per million population. It is an autoimmune small vessel vasculitis where anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies are targeted to the glomerular basement membrane and alveolar basement membrane. Our report highlights the importance of early recognition and nephrology referral for prompt initiation of treatment.

Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the developed world and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Metastasis to the gastrointestinal tract is relatively rare from any primary cancer, and particularly from lung cancer. The most common site of metastases of lung cancer is to the adrenals, liver, bone, and brain. Although metastasis to the gastrointestinal tract remains rare, it is under-diagnosed, and is likely to increase in frequency as patients with primary lung cancer live longer with their disease and therefore suffer more sequelae of advanced disease.

Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure but with various complication. While granulation formation can be evident, there is very little research regarding the extent of granulation pervasion into surrounding structures. In this clinical image, we describe a case of significant granulation formation in a patient with chronic tracheostomy and emphasize the adverse effects due to lack of proper tracheostomy management.