Generation of iPSC lines from archived non-cryoprotected biobanked dura mater

BACKGROUND

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with neurodegenerative disease generally lack neuropathological confirmation, the gold standard for disease classification and grading of severity. The use of tissue with a definitive neuropathological diagnosis would be an ideal source for iPSCs. The challenge to this approach is that the majority of biobanked brain tissue was not meant for growing live cells, and thus was not frozen in the presence of cryoprotectants such as DMSO.

RESULTS

We report the generation of iPSCs from frozen non-cryoprotected dural tissue stored at -80°C for up to 11 years. This autopsy cohort included subjects with Alzheimer's disease and four other neurodegenerative diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Disease-specific iPSCs can be generated from readily available, archival biobanked tissue. This allows for rapid expansion of generating iPSCs with confirmed pathology as well as allowing access to rare patient variants that have been banked.

Recurrent unilateral headache associated with SAPHO syndrome

A 57-year-old woman was admitted with recurrent episodes of right frontal headache. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed extensive thickening and enhancement of the right frontal dura, muscle and fascia, as well as abnormal signal intensity and enhancement of bone marrow at the lesions. Synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis osteomyelitis (SAPHO) syndrome was diagnosed based on the patient's 8-year history of treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis and abnormal accumulations in the right temporal, sternum, and left medial clavicula on bone scintigraphy. SAPHO syndrome may be associated with skull lesions, which can contribute to the onset of repeated headache or dural thickening, thus these symptoms should be recognized as manifestations of this syndrome.

Prevalence of subdural collections in children with macrocrania

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The relationship between enlarged subarachnoid spaces and subdural collections is poorly understood and creates challenges for clinicians investigating the etiology of subdural collections. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of subdural collections on cross sectional imaging in children with macrocephaly correlating with subarachnoid space enlargement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The radiology information system of a large pediatric medical center was reviewed for "macrocrania" and "macrocephaly" on reports of cranial MRI/CT examinations in children <24 months of age, over a 24-month period. Head circumference was obtained from the clinical record. Studies were reviewed blindly for subdural collection presence and subarachnoid space size. Children with prior cranial surgery, parenchymal abnormalities, hydrocephalus, or conditions predisposing to parenchymal volume loss were excluded. Chart review was performed on those with subdural collections.

RESULTS

Imaging from 177 children with enlarged head circumference was reviewed. Nine were excluded, for a final cohort of 168 subjects (108 with enlarged subarachnoid space). Subdural collections were identified in 6 (3.6%), all with enlarged subarachnoid space (6/108, 5.6%). In 4, subdural collections were small, homogeneous, and nonhemorrhagic. In 2, the collections were complex (septations or hemorrhage). Two children were reported as victims of child abuse (both with complex collections). No definitive etiology was established in the other cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of subdural collections in imaged children with macrocrania was 3.6%, all occurring in children with enlarged subarachnoid space. Our results suggest that enlarged subarachnoid space can be associated with some subdural collections in this cohort. Despite this, we believe that unexpected subdural collections in children should receive close clinical evaluation for underlying causes, including abusive head trauma.

[Common complaint, forgotten diagnosis: spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome]

Violation of the balance between the production and absorption rate of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might result in hydrocephalus or the spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome (SIH), which is usually presented with a unique type of headache. Several hypotheses have been suggested regarding the pathogenesis of this syndrome, including spinal CSF leakage due to located damage to the spinal dura. Another theory suggests increased CSF absorption from the spinal epidural space caused by declined inferior vena cava pressure. SIH is characterized by typical radiological findings, including the presence of subdural collections or hematomas, sagging of the brain parenchyma and the cerebellar tonsils, and brain meninges enhancement. Spinal imaging studies may help in locating the CSF leakage site when it exists. The diagnosis is based on the presence of orthostatic headaches together with typical clinical and imaging characteristics, after the exclusion of any recent medical interventions or other possible etiologies for the presence of SIH. The main treatment includes autologous epidural bloodpatch, even though symptomatic relief may be achieved with supportive or medical treatment alone. The presence of subdural collections or hematomas among patients presenting with orthostatic headaches suggests the need for further clinical and imaging evaluation prior to the surgical drainage, whenever possible. Two patients who were recently treated in our institution are presented, together with a proposed management algorithm.

Diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography in the radiological evaluation of pulsatile tinnitus

AIM

Our aim was to assess the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging with complimentary magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) in the radiological evaluation of patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was retrospectively conducted on 27 patients with pulsatile tinnitus. All patients showed normal otoscopic findings and were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with complimentary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), 9/27 (33.3%) patients were investigated by CT, and 12/27 (44.4%) were evaluated by angiography. All patients' clinical investigation was reviewed to discard systemic causes of PT.

RESULTS

All hard copies of MRI/MRA studies were evaluated. MRI/MRA detected the underlying etiology of subjective pulsatile tinnitus (PT) in 11/27 patients (40.7%), and 16/27 patients (59.5%) showed normal MRI/MRA examination. The most common cause was dural arteriovenous malformation (AFM) in 4/27 (14.8%) patients, high jugular bulbus in 2/27 (7.4%), aneurysm of internal carotid artery in 1/27 (3.7%), aberrant internal carotid artery in 1/27 (3.7%), vertebral artery hypoplasia in 2/27 (7.4%), and glomus tumor in 1/27 (3.7%). The statistical results of the present study showed that MRI/MRA had the following: 80% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 86% accuracy, 85% PPV, 83% NPV, and 15% error percentage for diagnosis of PT.

CONCLUSION

MRI/MRA was an effective radiological imaging method in detecting the underlying pathology of pulsatile tinnitus. Magnetic resonance may be considered a first line diagnostic imaging modality in the assessment of subjective pulsatile tinnitus.

Postoperative spinal cord herniation with pseudomeningocele in the cervical spine: a case report

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Postoperative spinal cord herniation with pseudomeningocele is a rare disease, with only five cases reported before the present study.

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical features and radiologic findings of postoperative spinal cord herniation with pseudomeningocele.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

A case of a 51-year-old man who suffered from postoperative spinal cord herniation with pseudomeningocele was reported, and previous reports on this subject are reviewed.

RESULTS

He had undergone excision of a spinal cord tumor in the cervical spine 10 years previously. He had progressive paraparesis and urinary disturbance 10 years later. The Computed Tomography Multi Planner Reconstruction myelogram showed dilation of the ventral subarachnoid space with left deviation of the spinal cord into the pseudomeningocele at C7. On observation at surgery, the spinal cord appeared displaced dorsally and herniated through the defect of the dorsal dura mater. The spinal cord was tightly adhesive around the dural defect. We released the adhesion of the spinal cord and the dural defect under the spinal cord, and the dural defect was repaired using an artificial dura mater.

CONCLUSIONS

The release of adhesion around dural defect and repair of dural defect under spinal cord monitoring resulted in a satisfactory neurologic recovery. Surgical repair of the dural defect with a dural substitute was necessary.

Prevalence of dural ectasia in Loeys-Dietz syndrome: comparison with Marfan syndrome and normal controls

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Dural ectasia is well recognized in Marfan syndrome (MFS) as one of the major diagnostic criteria, but the exact prevalence of dural ectasia is still unknown in Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), which is a recently discovered connective tissue disease. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of dural ectasia in LDS according by using qualitative and quantitative methods and compared our findings with those for with MFS and normal controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 10 LDS (6 males, 4 females, mean age 36.3 years) and 20 MFS cases (12 males, 8 females, mean age 37.1 years) and 20 controls (12 males, 8 females, mean age 36.1 years) both qualitatively and quantitatively using axial CT images and sagittal multi-planar reconstruction images of the lumbosacral region. For quantitative examination, we adopted two methods: method-1 (anteroposterior dural diameter of S1> L4) and method-2 (ratio of anteroposterior dural diameter/vertebral body diameter>cutoff values). The prevalence of dural ectasia among groups was compared by using Fisher's exact test and the Tukey-Kramer test.

RESULTS

In LDS patients, the qualitative method showed 40% of dural ectasia, the quantitative method-1 50%, and the method-2 70%. In MFS patients, the corresponding prevalences were 50%, 75%, and 85%, and in controls, 0%, 0%, and 5%. Both LDS and MFS had a significantly wider dura than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

While the prevalence of dural ectasia varied depending on differences in qualitative and quantitative methods, LDS as well as MFS, showed, regardless of method, a higher prevalence of dural ectasia than controls. This finding should help the differentiation of LDS from controls.

Xanthomatous meningioma: a case report with review of the literature

Xanthomatous meningioma is an extremely rare variant of meningioma that is characterized histopathologically by the presence of tumor cells with lipid-filled vacuolated cytoplasm. In this report, we describe the fifth documented case of xanthomatous meningioma and review its clinicopathological features. A 76-year-old Japanese male presented with dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-circumscribed tumor in the left parasagittal to frontal region with attachment of the dura mater. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed proliferation of polygonal to spindle cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and bland round to oval nuclei. Whorl formation and psammomas were scattered, and mitotic figures were rarely seen. A peculiar finding was the presence of extensive xanthomatous change continuing to the above-mentioned typical meningothelial meningioma. These tumor cells had clear vacuolated cytoplasm and bland round to oval nuclei. Immunohistochemically, xanthomatous cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen. Accordingly, an ultimate diagnosis of xanthomatous meningioma was made. Our clinicopathological analysis revealed that xanthomatous meningioma affects children to young persons or the elderly, and four of five cases were located in the supratentorial region. Although the detailed mechanism underlying the xanthomatous change has not been clarified, this change is thought to result from a metabolic abnormality of the neoplastic meningothelial cells. Further, xanthomatous change has also been reported in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. Therefore, it is important to recognize that xanthomatous change can occur in meningiomas, and to avoid misidentifying these cells as macrophages.

Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the dura of the brain: case report and prediction of a favorable prognosis

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare T-cell lymphoma composed of CD30-positive lymphoid cells. ALCL arising in the dura matter of the brain is even more infrequent, in which only one case has been reported worldwide so far. We report a case of a 30-year-old immunocompetent male with a dura-based mass, radiographically consistent with meningioma. However, the excised mass via a left parieto-occipital craniotomy was composed of large, pleomorphic lymphoid cells to be immunopositive for CD3, CD30, anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein-1 (ALK-1) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and immunonegative for CD20, CD15 and CD68. Multiple ALK gene fusion signals in the ALK locus were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. The patient was treated with CHOP chemotherapy and intrathecal methotrexate along with brain radiation therapy, which resulted in a complete remission. In an analysis of 25 previously reported primary CNS ALCLs, ALK-1 positivity was shown to be prevalent in younger age, as ALCL occurs outside the brain. Patient less than 23 years, ALK-1 positivity and unifocal tumor may be associated with a better prognosis. However, sex, dural or leptomeningeal involvement, immune status, and tumor necrosis do not appear to have any influence on survival.

Dural involvement in skull base tumors--accuracy of preoperative radiological evaluation and intraoperative assessment

BACKGROUND

Dural involvement is an important consideration in assessment of cranial base tumors dictating resectability and prognosis. Preoperative as well as intraoperative clues are valuable but not always correct. We evaluated a consecutive series of craniofacial resections at our center to correlate radiologically suspected dural involvement vis-à-vis intraoperative assessment and eventual pathology.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of cases of skull base tumors where potential dural involvement was considered. We recorded the preoperative radiological impression (contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging) regarding dural involvement (normal, extradural, intradural, parenchymal disease), intraoperative impression (normal, adherent, subdural, parenchymal disease), and final histology (normal, reactive, tumor). We also recorded instances where the dura was resected and/or inadvertently breached and the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven cases were evaluated. Transcranial approaches were performed in 68 cases. Nineteen percent (24 cases) were endoscopic procedures. Dural resection was performed in 38 cases (30 being proven pathologically). The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak was 4.7%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of magnetic resonance assessment were 34.5%, 97.9%, 83.3%, and 83.2%, respectively, providing an overall accuracy of 84%, and those for intraoperative dural adherence were 84.6%, 85.6%, 44%, 97.6%, and 85.5.%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, although a good modality for imaging the disease extent, may not always identify the extent of dural involvement. Intraoperative assessment therefore becomes very important especially when it is unequivocally normal. Both should be used to ensure accurate treatment strategies and tailor the need for dural resection.

[A case of occipital diploic dermoid tumor with perforation of the dura]

Along with epidermoid cysts, dermoid cysts are uncommon, benign and slow-growing lesions. We described a case of diploic dermoid cyst of the occipital bone with an intracranial extension in the right posterior fossa diagnosed and subjected to pathological examination. A 63-year-old man presented with dizziness at the time of posture conversion. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)showed a heterogenous hypo-intensity area on T1-weighted image, hyper-intensity on T2-weighted image and remarkably-strong intensity on diffusion-weighted image. Gadolinium enhancement was partially seen in the tumor capsule. Bone density computed tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional CT using helical CT scan revealed the osteolytic range with destruction of the inner and outer table. From these findings, this tumor was diagnosed as diploic epidermoid cyst before surgery. The tumor was totally removed and underwent cranioplasty with a titanium plate. However, pathological examination confirmed dermoid cyst with existence of sebaceous gland in some cyst-walls. It was difficult to diagnose this case as dermoid tumor from radiological features before surgery.

[Imaging analysis of ossification of ligamentum flavum associated with dural adhesions]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the characteristic imaging signs of ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) associated with dural adhesions by analyzing retrospectively the imaging signs of OLF associated with dural adhesions.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made on clinical data of 85 patients undergoing OLF surgery between January 2010 and September 2012. The patients were assigned into the study group and the control group according to the preoperative imaging signs. Of 85 patients, 34 had both "tram track sign" and "jagged line sign" as the study group and 51 had either "tram track sign" or "jagged line sign" and neither of them as the control group. Adherence between dura mater and ligamentum flavum was observed during operation as the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of dural adhesion. The imaging information of CT and MRI in sagittal and axial planes was analyzed. The typical characteristics of dural adhesions were found. Then the sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of the preoperative imaging examinations were calculated to estimate the reference value and diagnostic value (> 5 having reference value, and > 10 having diagnostic value).

RESULTS

In the study group, dural adhesion was observed in 26 patients (10 males and 16 females), and the other 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) had no dural adhesion. In the control group, dural adhesion was found in 2 female patients who had "jagged line sign", and 49 patients had no dural adhesion (14 males and 35 females). In patients having both "tram track sign" and "jagged line sign", the sensitivity was 92.9%; the specificity was 86.0%; and the positive likelihood ratio was 6.6. In patients having "tram track sign", the sensitivity was 92.9%; the specificity was 64.9%; and the positive likelihood ratio was 2.6. In patients having "jagged line sign", the sensitivity was 100%; the specificity was 77.2%; and the positive likelihood ratio was 4.4.

CONCLUSION

For patients with OLF having both "tram track sign" and "jagged line sign", preoperative CT and MRI have a reference value for diagnoses of the OLF associated with dural adhesions.

Laminarthrectomy as a surgical approach for decompressing the spinal canal: assessment of preoperative versus postoperative dural sac cross-sectional areal (DSCSA)

INTRODUCTION

Surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is today the most frequently performed procedure in the adult lumbar spine. Long-term benefit of surgery for LSS is well documented both in randomized and in non-randomized trials. In this paper, we present the results from laminarthrectomy as an alternative surgical approach, which have theoretical advantages over other approaches. In this study, we wanted to study the clinical and radiological results of laminarthrectomy. Dural sac cross-sectional areal (DSCSA) is an objective method to quantify the degree of central stenosis in the spinal canal, and was used to measure whether we were able to achieve an adequate decompression of the spinal canal with laminarthrectomy as a surgical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients operated on with this approach consecutively in the period 1 January 2008 to 31 March 2009 were included in the study. All perioperative complications were noted. Clinical results were measured by means of a questionnaire. The patients that agreed to attend the study had an MRI taken of the operated level. DSCSA before and after surgery of the actual level were measured by three observers. We then performed a correlation test between increase of area and clinical results. We also tested for inter- and intra-observer reability.

RESULTS

Fifty-six laminarthrectomy were performed. There were 17% complications, none of them were life-threatening or disabling. 46 patients attended the study and answered the questionnaire. Thirty-four patients (83%) reported clinical improvement, whereas six (13%) patients reported no improvement, and two (4%) patients reported that they were worse. Mean ODI was 23.0. Mean EQ-5D was 0.77. Mean VAS-score for back-pain was 3.1 and mean VAS-score for leg-pain was 2.8. Mean DSCSA were measured to 80 mm(2) before surgery and 161 mm(2) after surgery. That gave an increase of DSCSA of 81 mm(2) (101%). We found a significant positive correlation between increase of area and clinical results. We also found consistent inter- and intra-observer reability.

DISCUSSION

In this study, the clinical results of laminarthrectomy were good, and comparable with other reports for LSS. The rates of complications are also comparable with other reports in spinal surgery. A significant increase in the spinal canal diameter was achieved. Within the limitations a retrospective study gives, we conclude that laminarthrectomy seems to be a safe and effective surgical approach for significant decompressing the adult central spinal canal, and measurement of DSCSA, before and after surgery seems to be a good way to quantify the degree of decompression.

[An operated case of a meningioma causing acute subdural hematoma]

We report a rare case of a meningioma causing acute hematoma. A 67-year-old woman presented with sudden headache. No evidence of trauma was seen. CT demonstrated a subdural hematoma in the convexity of the fronto-temporal lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging showed marked signal heterogeneity in the convexity of the frontal lobe. One week later, the patient underwent hematoma evacuation and tumor resection including the attached dura mater. The histological diagnosis was meningothelial meningioma. The clot was connected directly to the tumor and the origin of the subdural hematoma was identified as the meningioma. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the headache improved. Meningiomas have a relatively benign course but rarely present with hemorrhage. Surgical exploration is the effective and recommended treatment.

Metastatic medullary carcinoma of thyroid presenting as a dural-based mass: case report and review of literature

Dural metastasis from medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is not well established in English literature. We present the case report of MTC with unusual clinical presentation as a dural-based mass in a 39-year-old male with no family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extra-axial dural-based mass in right frontal lobe with calvarium and soft tissue extension to the right superior orbit. Histopathology showed MTC with variegated morphology and various patterns. Thyroid mass and widespread metastases from medullary thyroid carcinoma were subsequently identified.

Delayed presentation of incidental durotomy

Two case reports illustrate a delayed clinical presentation of incidental durotomy following surgical posterior decompression of the lumbar spine. The clinical presentation as well as radiographic imaging studies used in diagnosing this relatively rare surgical complication are discussed. Both nonoperative as well as surgical treatment alternatives are outlined.

Ten-year clinical and imaging follow-up of dural ectasia in adults with Marfan syndrome

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Dural ectasia in the lumbosacral spine is a common feature of Marfan syndrome and is associated with low back pain and surgical complications, but its natural history is unknown.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the natural history of dural ectasia in adults with Marfan syndrome by determining if, over time, symptoms associated with dural ectasia worsen, dural ectasia imaging findings worsen, or spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis develops or worsens.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

For our prospective follow-up study, we enrolled 20 patients with Marfan syndrome and dural ectasia who, from 1998 through 1999, had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) of the lumbosacral spine and had completed the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire. Of the 20, five did not meet the inclusion criterion of a completed 2009 ODI questionnaire and were excluded. The remaining 15 patients (mean age, 49.6 years; mean follow-up, 10.5 years) formed our study group.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The ODI, MRI-based qualitative and quantitative measurements, CT-based quantitative measurements.

METHODS

We performed matched-pair analyses via Student t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test of the ODI scores (15 pairs), dural volume of L5-S2 (eight pairs), dural sac ratio (DSR) of L4-S2 (nine pairs), development/progression of spondolysthesis/spondylolysis (11 pairs), and Fattori qualitative grading of dural ectasia size (10 pairs). Significance was set at p<.05.

RESULTS

We found no statistical differences in the 1998/1999 and 2009 ODI scores (25.8 vs. 22.2 points), dural volume (70.4 vs. 73.9 cm(3)), or DSR (0.68, 0.78, 2.04, and 58.1 vs. 0.69, 0.83, 2.30, and 70.20). There was also no development or progression of spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis and no increase in dural ectasia size.

CONCLUSIONS

During this 10-year period, the natural history of dural ectasia in adults with Marfan syndrome was not associated with a significant increase in ODI scores, dural ectasia size, or with the development/progression of spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.

18-year-old woman with a dural mass

We report a case of a dural-based chondroma in the right frontal extra-axial region. Chondromas are benign cartilaginous tumors which are uncommon intracranially. Their diagnosis should be predicated on the exclusion of a chondrosarcoma and clinical studies should be performed to rule out any underlying tumor predisposition syndromes.

[Chronic hypertrophic pachymeningitis: 2 clinical cases are presented]

Chronic hypertrophic pachymeningitis is an inflammatory process of unknown aetiology characterised by a thickening of the dura mater causing pseudotumoural growth. Clinical manifestations are usually secondary to compression of adjacent neurological structures but may be also secondary to inflammatory processes. Diagnosis is mainly obtained by excluding infectious, neoplastic and autoimmune causes. Nowadays, steroid treatment is the most commonly used therapy. Two clinical cases of hypertrophic pachymeningitis are presented which were treated by surgery without any additional treatment and with good clinical and radiological development.

Surgical treatment of parasagittal and falcine meningiomas of the posterior third

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, meningiomas of the posterior third of the falx and the parasagittal sinus have never been specifically described to date and correlated visual outcome remains unclear. With this retrospective study we describe the clinical characteristics of these tumours, their surgical management, and the improvement in visual disturbances after surgery.

METHODS

Twenty-six consecutive patients (22 females, 4 males; mean age, 54 years) operated on for parasagittal (n = 22) and falcine (n = 4) meningioma between 1990 and 2010 were analysed retrospectively. Preoperative planning included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) or angiography. Sinus invasion was classified as normal, stenotic or occluded from the imaging findings and according to the Sindou classification from the intraoperative notes.

RESULTS

Visual disturbances and headache (in 21 and 14 cases, respectively) were the most commonly referred symptoms; visual field deficit was present in 19 patients. Simpson grade I was obtained in four patients, grade II in 15, grade III in three, and grade IV in four. The main limiting factor for total removal was sinus involvement. No perioperative deaths or relevant postoperative complications occurred. The mean follow-up was 107 months. Visual field deficit improved or resolved in almost half of the patients during the follow-up period. Three (12%) patients relapsed, two were treated with Gamma Knife surgery (stable at current writing) and the third died of disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome after surgery compares favourably with other parasagittal meningioma localisations and overall morbidity is negligible. Visual function is crucial for clinical outcome. Since an improvement of the deficit might still be possible, every effort should be undertaken to preserve the visual cortex.

[Primary involvement of the dura mater spinalis in Hodgkin's lymphoma]

The paper describes a case of Hodgkin's lymphoma at a very rare site (primary, solitary involvement of the dura mater spinalis) with its immunohistochemically verified diagnosis in a 38-year-old man.