Frontoethmoidal encephaloceles: reconstruction and refinements

Management of cerebrospinal-fluid-related intracranial abnormalities in frontoethmoidal encephalocele using "Shunt algorithm for frontoethmoidal encephalocele" (SAFE)

A cerebrospinal-fluid-related (CSF-related) problem occurred in 25-30% of frontoethmoidal encephalocele (FEE) cases. Since there was no algorithm or guideline, the judgment to treat the CSF-related problem often relies upon the surgeon's experience. In our institution, the early shunt was preferable to treat the problem, but it added risks to the children. We developed an algorithm, "Shunt Algorithm for Frontoethmoidal Encephalocele" (SAFE), to guide the surgeon in making the most reasonable decision. To evaluate the SAFE's efficacy in reducing unnecessary early shunting for FEE with CSF-related intracranial abnormality. Medical records of FEE patients with CSF-related abnormalities treated from January 2007 to December 2019 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: before the SAFE group as group 1 (2007 - 2011) and after the SAFE group as group 2 (2012 - 2019). We excluded FEE patients without CSF-related abnormalities. We compared the number of shunts and the complications between the two groups. One hundred and twenty-nine patient's medical records were reviewed. The males were predominating (79 versus 50 patients) with an average age of 58.2±7.1 months old (6 to 276 months old). Ventriculomegaly was found in 18 cases, arachnoid cysts in 46 cases, porencephalic cysts in 19 cases, and ventricular malformation in 46 cases. Group 1, with a score of 4 to 7 (19 cases), received an early shunt along with the FEE repair. Complications occurred in 7 patients of this group. Group 2, with a score of 4-7, received shunts only after the complication occurred in 3 cases (pseudomeningocele unresponsive with conservative treatment and re-operation in 2 cases; a sign of intracranial hypertension in 1 case). No complication occurred in this group. Groups 1 and 2, with scores of 8 or higher (6 and 8 cases, respectively), underwent direct shunt, with one complication (exposed shunt) in each group. The SAFE decision algorithm for FEE with CSF-related intracranial abnormalities has proven effective in reducing unnecessary shunting and the rate of shunt complications.

Managing an open nasofrontal encephalocele after birth

Encephaloceles are relatively uncommon in western countries. Most of the reported cases involve occipital encephaloceles. Open frontal encephaloceles comprise a rare entity. Most of them will be detected during early prenatal diagnostic, whereas the majority of the pregnancies will be terminated after the consent of the parents. Open frontal encephaloceles pose a great challenge to neurosurgeons as well as anesthesiologists, as these infants present with a microcephaly, non-physiological intracranial anatomy, and low birth weight, thus making the infant prone to excessive blood loss, hypothermia, and death. Neonates born with an incomplete cutaneous coverage are exposed to an imminent threat to life due to the risk of meningitis, necessitating surgical repair in the first days of life. We represent a rare case of an open nasofrontal encephalocele managed surgically in the first day of life. Surgery did not influence the neurological outcome of the patient.

Encephalocele: A Case Series From Abuja, North Central Nigeria

An encephalocele is a congenital tube defect in which there is an extension of intracranial structures outside the normal confines of the skull. Its presentation at birth provokes a lot of anxiety amongst parents, guardians and care providers with regards to compatibility with life, surgical treatments and effects on developmental milestones and higher mental functions. This report is on our initial experience in the first six months following surgical treatment of four consecutive cases presenting in infancy. The aim of this case series is to report our initial experience of the management of encephaloceles using four consecutive cases that presented in infancy. A review of four infants who presented to our neurosurgery service was conducted including patterns of presentation, neuroimaging findings, scope of surgical intervention and neurological outcome at the six-month review. The results are presented in short case reports and summarized in a table. Two five-month-old females, one six-month-old female and one two-month-old female infants presented to our neurosurgery clinic with progressively increasing encephaloceles at different locations. Brain MRI revealed meningo-encephalocele in all, but with associated hydrocephalus in two cases only. They all had excision and repair of encephalocele under the same general anaesthesia while only two had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Developmental milestones were on course at 6 months follow-up following discharge. Although the presentation of encephaloceles can be frightening to parents and care providers, careful clinical and radiological evaluation is a recipe for sound surgical planning and improved outcome.

Management of an open nasofrontal encephalocele during the first day of life

Nasofrontal encephaloceles are extremely rare craniofacial defects that present with herniation of cerebral tissue through the junction of the frontal and nasal bones. They often have a cutaneous covering which allows management to be delayed until early infancy, decreasing the risks of anesthesia and acute blood loss. Further bone development also facilitates cranial remodeling. Encephaloceles with a compromised cutaneous envelope pose an imminent threat to life due to the risk of meningitis, necessitating surgical repair in the first days of life. This report presents a patient born with an open nasofrontal encephalocele that underwent encephalocele excision, dural repair, and cranial remodeling on the first day of life. Anterior encephaloceles represent a spectrum of uncommon craniofacial dysraphias. Given the rarity of these diseases, it is important to understand their many presentations and the treatment options that exist for each. When the cutaneous covering of the encephalocele is compromised, surgical correction must be undertaken urgently to mitigate the mortality associated with neonatal meningitis. This represents the first report of an open nasofrontal encephalocele managed in the first day of life. A multidisciplinary surgical approach involving the neurosurgical and craniofacial surgical teams is paramount to the treatment and survival of such complicated patients.

Treating nasoethmoidal encephalocele in a low-resource country: a surgical experience from a Philippine multidisciplinary craniofacial team

PURPOSE

It was described that nasoethmoidal encephalocele repair in the Philippines has been limited by insufficient resources, financial constraints, and a lack of surgical expertise. The purpose of this study was to report initial results and complications of Philippine patients with nasoethmoidal encephalocele surgically managed with an approach adapted to an environment with limited financial resources.

METHODS

All patients (n = 21) with nasoethmoidal encephalocele who underwent intracranial and extracranial repairs (frontal wedge osteotomy to access the encephalocele cyst and cranial base defect, dural defect repair, split frontal grafts fixed with polydioxanone sutures to reconstruct the cranial defect and nasal dorsum, and medial canthopexy) from January 2015 to May 2017 were included. The correlations between sizes of masses and cranial defects with the occurrence of complications were tested. The surgical results were classified based on a previously published outcome grading scales I-IV on the need for additional surgery.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients (90.5%) had unremarkable post-operative course. Two patients (9.5%) presented with complications (cerebrospinal fluid leak and surgical site infection) which were successfully managed with no additional surgery. The sizes of masses and cranial defects were not correlated (p > 0.05) with complications. The overall rate of surgical results ranked according to the need for additional surgery was 2.4 ± 0.5 (between categories II and III).

CONCLUSIONS

We reported successful surgical repair of nasoethmoidal encephaloceles in Philippine patients by a local multidisciplinary craniofacial team.

Nasal Framework Osteotomy: An Innovative Approach to Manage an Extremely Long Nose With Meningoencephalocele

Meningoencephlocele is a relatively rare deformity, usually characterized by penetration of brain or meningeal tissues through a defect in skull. This protruding tissue may affect facial structure and subtle to severe facial deformities may appear. Surgical treatments of these deformities are usually done by a team including a neurosurgeon and craniofacial surgeon. The conventional treatments includes several complicated operations to relocate herniating tissues, then correcting malformed facial structure. The nasal framework osteotomy, is an innovative approach that uses transfacial incisions to gain access to herniating tissue. Then, by completing the osteotomy around the nose, the entire nasal structure is lifted and transposed to it is original position. The authors believe that this technique may considerably reduce the complexity and risks of conventional approaches, while aesthetic demands are readily achieved at the same stage.

Management Strategies of Cranial Encephaloceles: A Neurosurgical Challenge

Background:

Encephalocele is defined as herniation of cranial contents beyond the normal confines of the skull through a defect in the calvarium either along the midline or at the base of skull. These anomalies should be repaired in the first few months of life to prevent neurological deficits and facial disfigurement. The aim of the surgery is water tight dural closure at the level of internal defect, closure of skull defect, and reconstruction of external bony deformity.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-four cases of encephalocoeles were studied in our hospital over a 6-year period from 2010 to 2016. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain were performed to delineate the bony defect and associated anomalies. Reconstruction of the bony defect was done using autologous calvarial bone graft, Osteopore polycaprolactone (PCL) bone scaffold filler and titanium mesh.

Results:

In our study, 54 patients (34 boys and 20 girls) whose age varied between 2 months and 14 years were evaluated. Frontoethmoidal (44.5%) and occipital encephaloceles (25.9%) were the most frequently seen varieties. Repair of the dural defect either primarily or using pericranium was done in all cases. Closure of the bony defect was done using autologous calvarial bone graft in 12 (22.22%) patients. Titanium mesh was used in eight and Osteopore PCL bone scaffold filler in four children. Cranioplasty was not done in remaining thirty children because of the small bone defect. Overall, 80% had no postoperative problem and were discharged between 7 and 10 days of surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most frequent postoperative complication, noted in five patients. Re-exploration with repair was done in one and remaining four were managed conservatively. Overall, cosmetic results were acceptably good, with parents judging the cosmetic outcome as good to excellent in 70%, satisfactory in 18%, and poor in 3% at the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that encephaloceles are associated with complex deformities and pose a technical challenge to the neurosurgeon. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to manage these cases. MRI brain and three dimensional CT aids in evaluating the deformity better and surgical correction should be performed as soon as possible to prevent a further neurological deficit. Repair of dural defect and reconstruction of the skull defect results in a good long-term outcome. We present our experience on 54 cases of cranial encephaloceles managed surgically over a period of only 6 years which is one of the largest series reported from Asia.

Management of the Frontoethmoidal Encephalomeningocele

Introduction:

The Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele (FEEM) is a congenital neural tube anomaly, with herniation of intracranial material such as the brain and leptomeninges through a defect of the dura and anterior skull base at the junction of the frontal and ethmoidal bones. It may result not only in neural defects, sensorimotor deficits, neurological morbidities, visual impairment, impaired nasal function, and a potential risk of intracranial infection, but also in significant craniofacial disfigurement with complex deformities in the frontal, orbital, and nasal regions.

Materials and Method:

The standard two-staged surgical protocol comprises of the first stage performed by a neurosurgeon, which aims at correcting the neural defect by a formal craniotomy; then the second stage performed by a craniomaxillofacial or plastic and reconstructive surgeon, to correct craniofacial hard and soft tissue deformities. The case discussed was managed using a modified intracranial-transcranial single stage approach, achieving both the desired objectives.

Results and Conclusion:

This protocol elucidates the importance and value of teamwork between the Neurosurgeon and Craniomaxillofacial surgeon, in comprehensively and efficiently managing small to moderately sized FEEMs, assuring their complete elimination, satisfactory defect closure, effective functional treatment as well as esthetic correction and reconstruction of the attendant craniofacial deformities by means of a single-stage definitive surgical approach.

Frontoethmoidal encephalocele in a cat

Case summary

An 11-month-old female neutered domestic shorthair cat presented for further investigation of a 1 month history of generalised tonic–clonic seizures. Physical examination revealed microphthalmia of the left eye and right-sided hemiparesis. MRI of the brain and cranial neck was performed using a 1.5-Tesla system. MRI revealed a left frontoethmoidal encephalocele and microphthalmia of the left eye. Conservative treatment with antiepileptic medication was elected. The cat was managed on phenobarbitone and levetiracetam. Seizures have remained well controlled 12 months post-diagnosis.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first known case report of a frontoethmoidal encephalocele in a cat. This case was presented to increase clinical awareness of this congenital malformation and as a differential diagnosis for any young cat that presents with seizures.

Frontoethmoidal encephalocele. Report of a case

Encephaloceles are uncommon in western countries and most cases are located in the occipital bone. Frontal encephaloceles may involve the ethmoid bone, nasal bones and/or the orbits. Surgical repair is complex and usually requires a multidisciplinary approach. The goal of the surgery is to reconstruct the normal anatomy, to achieve a good cosmetic repair and to avoid a cerebrospinal fluid leak. We present a case of a patient with a large congenital frontoethmoidal encephalocele. Autologous calvarian bone grafts were used to repair of encephalocele defect and for the reconstruction of the frontonasal area. The defect closure and the cosmetic result were satisfactory, and the only complication detected was the infection of a previously performed ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A description of the technique and a review of the literature are presented.

Secondary encephalocele in infant following subdural empyema repaired endoscopically-A case report

Subdural empyema (SDE) is an uncommon entity, mostly associated with meningitis and can be life threatening in infants. Rarely, a subdural empyema can lead to nasal encephalocele which can be challenging situation to manage especially in infant. We present a case of 7 month old infant who presented with subdural empyema that led to formation of nasal encaphalocele after 4 months which was managed endoscopic route.

Microscopic Transnasal Approach: A New Technique for the Reconstruction of Frontoethmoidal Meningoencephalocele

Frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele is a rare congenital malformation, which occurs due to a deficiency in neural tube closure. It may present as an external mass over the nose, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea and attacks of central nervous system infections. Herein, the authors present a 3-month-old infant with naso-ethmoidal form of frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele, who was operated on using a newly described approach that was performed under microscope.

Midline Craniofacial Masses in Children

Nasal dermoids, encephaloceles, and gliomas are rare congenital lesions that result from improper embryologic development. The differentiation between them and a firm understanding of their pathology is necessary to avoid unnecessary complications. In view of their potential intracranial connection, prompt diagnosis and treatment are paramount. The authors review the embryology, diagnoses, radiologic work-up, surgical management, and complications of these midline craniofacial masses in children.

Secondary adult encephalocele with abscess formation of calcified frontal sinus mucocele

INTRODUCTION

Although encephalocele is a rare congenital abnormality, secondary encephalocele is extremely rare and can cause fatal complications. Here, we report a case of secondary encephalocele caused by frontal sinus wall defect due to chronic sinusitis, which was completely removed by cranialization with autologous bone graft. A 50-year-old man with a 10-year history of chronic sinusitis visited our hospital due to suddenly altered mentality characterized by stupor. Computerized tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enlarged left frontal sinus with sinusitis. The frontal sinus cavity was calcified, and the left frontal lobe had herniated into the cavity accompanied by yellow pus. A large dural defect was also found around the frontal sinus area. After removal of the abscess and some of the frontal lobe, frontal skull base repair by cranialization was performed using autologous bone graft. Streptococcus pneumoniae was cultured from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), necessitating treatment with antibiotics. After the operation, the mental status of the patient improved and no CSF leakage was observed.

DISCUSSION

In addition to correct diagnosis and early treatment including antibiotics, the surgical repair of defects is needed in patients with secondary encephalocele to prevent further episodes of meningitis. Surgical correction of frontal sinus encephalocele can be achieved through bifrontal craniotomy or endoscopic transnasal repair. If a patient has CSF leakage, open craniotomy may facilitate repair of the dural defect and allow for cranialization of the sinus.

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of dysplastic herniated brain tissue and cranialization of the frontal sinus may be a good option for treating secondary encephalocele and its associated complications, including meningitis, abscess formation, and infarction of the herniated brain parenchyma.

Acquired Encephalocele With Hydrocephalus and Pineal Region Epidermoid Cyst

A combination of trauma and a missed inflammatory response (nasal operation) concomitant with hydrocephalus and tumor in secondary encephalocele has not been described in the English literature yet. A 38-year-old man was admitted to the clinic with rhinorrhea that started 3 months ago. In his medical history, nothing abnormal was present except a nasal operation performed 1 year ago. Brain magnetic resonance imaging depicted left frontal encephalocele concomitant with obstructive hydrocephalus caused by an epidermoid cyst originated from the pineal region. A 2-staged surgery was planned. In the first stage, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was conveyed successfully. In the second-stage surgery, the herniated brain tissue was excised, and the frontal sinus was cleansed with serum saline combined with antibiotic. The bony defect and the dura defect were repaired. The patient's presenting complaint recovered fully, and he was discharged to home in a well condition. Acquired encephalocele is a rare entity. In case of rhinorrhea and encephalocele, even in the presence of prior history of nasal surgery, intracranial evaluation should be conveyed to exclude the presence of hydrocephalus and/or tumor. The cranial defect should be repaired to prevent future infections and brain tissue damage.

Frontoethmoidal encephalocele: Case report and review on management

Encephaloceles, especially in the frontoethmoidal region, are a form of neural tube defect affecting patients in Southeast Asia more commonly than those in western countries, where they are more common in the occipital regions. All patients with classical frontoethmoidal encephalocele had swelling over the bridge of nose or inner canthus of eye since birth, with varying degrees of hypertelorism. This paper emphasizes on the clinical features of this pathology and its surgical management, along with, reviewing the evolution of single-stage correction and fine refinements.

Naso-ethmoidal encephalocele with bilateral orbital extension: report of a case in a western country

INTRODUCTION

Encephalocele is a rare congenital malformation of the central nervous system with protrusion of cranial content (meninges, brain, and ventricles in different combinations) beyond the normal confines of the skull. Anterior encephaloceles occur with a high frequency in Southeast Asia, while in the Western countries occipital encephaloceles prevail. The treatment of an anterior (naso-ethmoidal) encephalocele involves a neurosurgeon or a multidisciplinary team (neurosurgeon, maxillofacial surgeon, plastic surgeon, and ENT surgeon) dealing with craniofacial surgery. Goals of surgery include removal or repositioning of nonfunctional cerebral tissue, closure of the dura, and reconstruction of skeletal and cutaneous structures. The prognosis depends from the anatomical site, volume of neural contents, and the presence of coexisting malformations.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of an Italian child suffering from a naso-ethmoidal encephalocele with bilateral orbital extension. The surgical treatment was performed in two steps.

CONCLUSION

Sincipital encephalocele is a complex pathology without a unique standardized surgical treatment. Its low incidence in Western countries can make its management particularly tricky.

Facing the World: audit of activity 2002-2010

BACKGROUND

Craniofacial anomalies, although uncommon, can have considerable effects on the individual, their family and society.(1-4) They carry with them a large morbidity and require a highly specialized, multidisciplinary approach to treatment.(5) Facing the World (FTW), was founded in 2002, to offer facial reconstructive surgery to children with complex, craniofacial anomalies with no prospect of local treatment, from developing countries anywhere in the world.

METHODS

We present an 8-year audit of the cases treated by FTW, where children are brought from their own countries to the UK for treatment. Patient selection takes place prior to their arrival in the UK by a multidisciplinary team. Specifically the condition has to be correctable to a degree that justifies the risks involved with the surgery, and the disruption to the child and their family.

RESULTS

Since inception, FTW has evaluated more than 300 cases and provided treatment in the UK for over 24 cases from 18 different countries. We present our range of cases and complications. We discuss our complication rate of 28% and mortality rate of 4% (1 case).

CONCLUSIONS

Key to the sustainability of FTW is the development of local healthcare infrastructure within the developing countries to facilitate eventual local management of the more straightforward cases and follow up of these patients by well-trained medical staff. By establishing these programs, FTW aims to not only change these children's lives but to raise awareness, and help to expand the global craniofacial network whereby in the future, satellite partners will be present to help manage these conditions locally.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Diagnosis and management of cephaloceles

Cephaloceles are rare neural tube defects. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with cephaloceles who underwent surgical treatment in our institute for a 14-year period, between January 1995 and January 2009. There were 27 children (11 boys and 16 girls; mean age, 7.5 mo; range, 1 d to 7 y). Seventeen encephaloceles were occipital; 5, parietal; 2, ethmoidal; 1, frontoethmoidal; 1, nasoethmoidal; and 1, sphenoethmoidal. The mean size of sac was 3 cm, although 2 cases of giant occipital encephaloceles were observed. In 19 cases (70%), the sac contained gliotic brain (encephaloceles) that was excised. All patients were operated on in 1 surgical procedure. Hydrocephalus was found in 16 patients and treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. Postoperatively, there was no neurologic deficit or death. After a mean follow-up period of 7.2 years (range, 6 mo to 11.5 y), all patients were in good condition. In conclusion, occipital cephaloceles are more frequently encountered and are usually associated with hydrocephalus. Surgery should be performed as early as possible and only after careful preoperative planning especially for the anterior cephaloceles.

Stereolithography: a method for planning the surgical correction of the hypertelorism

Hypertelorism is a deformity characterized by an increase in interorbital distance. The treatment can be orbital mobilization, or if the malformation goes along with occlusal alterations, the indicated treatment is a facial bipartition with hemifacial rotation.The intention of the present study was to describe a surgical planning technique in locating the anatomic points and planes on a stereolithographic model of a patient with 0-14 fissure and its surgical application.

Secondary craniofacial reconstruction of huge frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele after primary neurosurgical repair

Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele is a congenital herniation of intracranial contents, including meninges, brain and part of the ventricle, through a bony defect in the skull at the junction of the frontal and ethmoid bones. Management involves meticulous preoperative assessment using computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical repair of the central nervous system, skeletal deformities of the orbit, downward displacement of the medial canthi, upward displacement of the eyebrows, and nasal deformities. Frontoethmoidal encephaloceles are best operated on via a craniofacial approach which enables repair of the central nervous system and skeletal deformities in one stage. However, a two-stage reconstruction must be considered when a prolonged operative time is expected or the patient's general condition increases the risks. There have only been a few reports of two-stage reconstructions. We performed a two-stage reconstruction of a huge frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele, with neurosurgical repair during the first procedure and craniofacial reconstruction during the second procedure. We report on the surgical procedures and the problems encountered.

Telecanthus and hypertelorism in frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles and the surgical correction of these conditions: Part I. An orbital anthropomorphometric evaluation of the Khmer subpopulation of Cambodia

This is the first of the two parts of a paper concerning a novel method on the surgical treatment of orbital dysmorphisms, especially telecanthus (TC) and hypertelorism (HT). The normal orbital values of a given ethnic group is an essential factor in determining the degree of correction intended in that patient population. We did not find any data related to the normal orbital values in Khmer-Cambodians in whom we performed the corrective surgeries. Thus, the aims of this article are to evaluate the orbital morphometric data procured in Khmer-Cambodians and to analyze the contradictory definitions of TC and HT found in the literature. We measured the inner canthal distance, outer canthal distance, and interpupillary distance in 688 Khmer-Cambodians. The measured normal values are presented and compared with other Asian populations. We discovered that the Khmer-Cambodian orbital morphometry did not resemble the general conception of an Asian appearance, but rather showed a similarity to values found in Indians. Telecanthus and hypertelorism are frequent orbital dysmorphisms that, however, find conflicting definitions in the literature. By means of a short literature review, we have attempted to reorganize the multiplicity of definitions in orbital measurements, as well as clarify the confusing terminology used in TC and HT.

Telecanthus and hypertelorism in frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles and the surgical correction of these conditions: Part II. A novel surgical approach in the treatment of telecanthus

Frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles (MEC) are frequently associated with telecanthus (TC) and seldom with hypertelorism (HT). The correction of these orbital dysmorphisms are undertaken in the same setting as the surgical treatment of MEC. During several charity missions to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the authors developed a simple surgical technique for the correction of TC that has not been described before. The results of this technique was evaluated as follows: in 58 patients, who underwent surgical treatment of MEC, the pre and postoperative inner canthal (ICD) and outer canthal distances (OCD) were measured; the interpupillary distance (IPD) was measured in 50 patients. Forty five (78%) out of the 58 patients showed a telecanthus before surgery; 39 (87%) of these 45 showed normal values after surgery, in the rest 6 (13%) the ICD could be decreased after surgery, however the values did not reach a normal range.A HT (including TC) was found in 10 patients presenting with MEC (17%) before surgery. Five (50%) of these patients did not show a HT in post surgical follow-up. In 3 (30%) of the remaining 5 patients showing persistent HT, the ICD alone could be decreased to a normal value (no TC), whereas in 2 (20%) others a TC was unchanged. Three patients with MEC had shown normal preoperative orbital morphometry. The mean follow-up was 9 months (range: 5-16 months). The reader is further referred to our previous paper for interpreting the orbital measurement values in Khmer Cambodians as pertinent to TC or HT.

Surgery in developing countries

OBJECT

Frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles (MECs) are a relatively common abnormality in southeast Asia, with disastrous consequences for the sufferer. In Cambodia, a lack of skilled neuro-and craniofacial surgeons, and the cost of surgery limit the possibilities for appropriate treatment of patients with these lesions. The authors developed a low-cost humanitarian program with the goals of treating frontoethmoidal MECs, ensuring careful postoperative follow-up, and teaching Khmer surgeons how to treat these malformations.

METHODS

This program was facilitated by two nongovernmental organizations: Rose Charities Cambodia provided the facilities, patients, and local staff, and "Médecins du Monde" provided visiting surgeons and anesthesiologists. All operations were free of charge for all patients. A strict follow-up program was organized to evaluate the surgical results, the social impact of the surgery, and the satisfaction levels of the children and their parents.

RESULTS

Forty-five children and seven young adults with MECs were treated using a rather simple surgical technique. Of the three types of MECs encountered, the most frequent was the nasoethmoidal type (43 cases). The most common postoperative issue was a temporary CSF leak (in 16 patients). Cosmetic results were considered excellent or good in 40 patients, average in nine, and poor in one; two patients were lost to follow-up. The overall cost of each operation was estimated to be $380 (US dollars), far less than a standard MEC operation would cost in a more developed country. At the end of this humanitarian program, Khmer surgeons were able to treat standard cases of frontoethmoidal MECs without the help of foreigners.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in developing nations who have limited access to standard neurosurgical care can be treated for frontoethmoidal MECs with few complications and a satisfactory cost-to-benefit ratio.

Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocoele with colpocephaly: case report and clinical review

Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocoele is a rare congenital disease in which an intracranial mass protrudes through a midline defect from the anterior cranial fossa into the facial skeleton. The condition affects patients in South East Asian countries, such as Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and Indonesia, with frequency of 1 in 5000. The pathogenesis of encephalocoeles may be regarded as a 'late' neurulation defect during the fourth gestational week. We present a case of frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocoele with corpus callosal agenesis and colpocephaly; this may well be the first report of this combination. The patient had a bulging mass in the middle frontonasal area, with broadening of the nasal bridge and hypertelorism. Computed tomography scans delineated the skull defect and associated brain anomalies. A one-stage, combined transfacial-transcranial approach, correctional procedure was performed. We present here a discussion of the findings, with special reference to the condition's pathogenesis, morphological classification and evolving surgical treatments. Early diagnosis and referral, involving multidisciplinary teamwork, are of paramount importance because of the distorting influence of the extruding mass on facial growth.

Anterior encephaloceles: a series of 103 cases over 32 years

Anterior encephalocele is a rarely reported CNS malformation with a geographical predilection for South-East Asia. The paucity of literature prompted us to analyse our results with hemiorbital advancement and classical Tessier's operation in 103 cases over 32 years (1971-2002). In our series, the frontoethmoidal subtype was the most common (80%), followed by the orbital (8%), transethmoidal (8%), transsellar (3%) and interfrontal types (1%). All patients with classical frontoethmoidal encephalocele had swelling over the nose or inner canthus since birth, with varying degrees of hypertelorism; and those with the nasopharyngeal subtype commonly presented with nasal obstruction and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea. Neurofibromatosis was present in seven patients, all of whom had an orbital encephalocele. The diagnostic workup included a computerised tomography scan of the head in 96 patients and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in 16 patients. The associated findings on imaging were hydrocephalus (15%), corpus callosum agenesis (7%), arachnoid cyst (3%), porencephalic cyst (3%) and single ventricle (3%). A classical Tessier's operation was performed in the initial 30 cases. However, since 1988, we have been performing a single stage hemiorbital advancement and repair of the encephalocele. There were three deaths, one due to pneumonia and two due to fulminant meningitis. Twenty-two patients (22%) had postoperative CSF leak, of which five required lumboperitoneal shunt placement. We believe that hemiorbital advancement offers satisfactory results with less morbidity than the Tessier's operation.

Neurosurgical Reconstruction With Acellular Cadaveric Dermal Matrix

Acellular cadaveric dermal matrix (ACDM) is processed from human cadaver skin (AlloDerm; Life Cell Corp., Branchburg, NJ). It does not require an immediate blood supply but can transmit essential interstitial fluids for nourishment of overlying tissues. A number of neurosurgical reconstructions have required the use of tissue that fills these specifications. The material has been used most recently for reconstruction of dura during craniotomies when primary closure is not possible or harvesting from an autologous site is not available. Because ACDM is harvested from nonneurologic cadaveric tissues and because the cellular and antigenic elements have been removed from the matrix, prion diseases are not a transmission risk. We present 6 examples of previously unreported uses of ACDM for successful repair of meningomyelocele, cauda equina, encephalocele, cerebrospinal fluid fistula, and neuroma. We propose the use of ACDM as a valuable tool in neurosurgical reconstruction.

Frontal foramina, Chiari II malformation, and hydrocephalus in a female

Reported is a 4-year-old female with Chiari II malformation and congenital hydrocephalus associated with lumbosacral myelomeningocele who also presented with frontal calvarial foramina depicted by head computed tomographic scans with three-dimensional reconstructions. Magnetic resonance demonstrated bilateral and symmetric frontal lobe malformation-separated-lip clefts schizencephaly-adjacent to the bilateral frontal calvarial foramina. Because the different types of malformations evident in this patient do not share the same developmental origin, the association of findings is unusual and suggests the occurrence of an unknown prenatal factor acting along different stages of central nervous system development.

Common craniofacial anomalies: facial clefts and encephaloceles

The wide variety of craniofacial malformations makes classification difficult. A simple classification system allows an overview of the current understanding of the causes, assessments, and treatments of the most frequently encountered craniofacial anomalies. Facial clefts and encephaloceles are reviewed with respect to their diverse causes, pathogenesis, anatomical features, and treatments. Approaches to the surgical treatment of these conditions are reviewed.