Shemsedin Dreshaj
University of Prishtin, Republic of Kosovo
Biography
Shemsedin Dreshaj has completed his Medical Faculty in
Prishtina, Kosovo in 1984. He has worked as a Specialist in
Infectious Diseases at University Medical Centre Ljubljana,
Slovenia in 1991and Subspecialist in CNS infections
at Montefiore Medical Centre, NY, USA in 1996. He has
completed his PhD in 2003 from Faculty of Medicine in
Prishtina .He worked as Senior Infectious Diseases doctor
in Infectious Diseases Clinic Prishtina in 1990, Head of
Department for Neuroinfections (1992-2008), Head of ICU
Department in Infectious Diseases Clinic (2008-2018).
He was Head of Infectious Diseases Clinic (2006-2014),
Vice Dean for academic affair’s (2009-2013), Medical
Faculty in Prishtina. His research activities are focused on
neuroinfection and neurological disorder. He has published
more than 21 manuscripts in international journals, more
than 40 proceedings and presented several oral or poster
presentations in this field.
Abstract
Introduction: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (SCST) is a rare complication
associated with face and neck area infection. SCST is known for severe clinical
presentation, often complicated and bad outcome. Till now, there are no
randomized and controlled trials for management of this condition.
Objective: To describe clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of
hospitalized confirmed SCST patients in Infectious Diseases Clinic in Prishtina,
Kosovo.
Methods: Clinical and laboratory data of 13 confirmed SCST cases treated in our
institution, were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: 13 cases of SCST in Infectious Diseases Clinic in Prishtina were treated
between the Jan’ 1st 1991 and Dec’ 31st 2017. Five cases did not survive the
disease (38.5%), three of 13 (23%) presented neurological complications at
discharge from the hospital. 12 cases presented purulent meningoecephalitis
and one sympathetic meningitis. In 12 (92.3%) cases, primary focus was in upper
part of the face. Ethological agent was identified in 11 (84.6%), and in 8 (61.5%),
it was Staphylococcus aureus. All patients were treated with anti edematous
therapy, antibiotics, corticosteroids, whereas 7 (53.8%) patients were treated with
anticoagulant therapy for four days. In one patient treated with anticoagulant
therapy, hemorrhagic complications were seen. Contrast enhanced CT of head
was 100% sensitive in detection of SCST, whereas contrast MRI confirmed SCST
in only one of the four cases.
Conclusions: The prognosis of SCST now a day is more favourable than before.
Anti-coagulants seem to be a safe addition treatment to antibiotic, also in patients
with SCST and central nervous system infection