Successful adaptation of twinning concept for global neurosurgery collaborations-a validation study

INTRODUCTION

Globally, many regions have an urgent, unmet need of neurosurgical care. A multi-step neurosurgical twinning technique, International Neurosurgical Twinning Modeled for Africa (INTIMA), was proved to be successful during a previous mission to Neurosurgical Unit, Enugu, Nigeria. The Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC) performed a developmental mission together with the local neurosurgical unit in The Gambia, adopting the INTIMA model.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team visited for a 2-week collaborative mission at the Neurosurgical Department of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, The Gambia. The mission followed the data of neurosurgical operations during and after the mission as well as about the operations 3 months prior to and after the mission was collected.

RESULTS

During the mission, a total of 22 operations was carried out, the most common being degenerative spinal conditions (n = 9). In the 3 months following the mission, 43 operations were performed compared to 24 during the 3 months leading up to the mission. The complexity of the performed procedures increased after the mission. An operating microscope (Möller-Wedel) was donated and installed and the neurosurgeons on site underwent training in microneurosurgery. The surgical nurses, nurses at the postoperative ward, and the physiotherapists underwent training. A biomedical engineer serviced multiple appliances and devices improving the patient care on site while training local technicians.

CONCLUSION

This study validated the use of the INTIMA model previously described in a mission by Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC). The model is sustainable and produces notable results. The core strength of the model is in the multidisciplinary team securing all the aspects and steps of the neurosurgical care. Installation of an operating microscope opened for further microsurgical possibilities, improving the neurosurgical care in The Gambia.

[Our experience of intracranial meningioma in Dakar: about 50 cases]

Les méningiomes sont des tumeurs bénignes extra parenchymateuses développées aux dépens des villosités arachnoïdiennes. Ils tirent leur gravité de leur localisation dans des zones hyperfonctionnelles. Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer la prise en charge des méningiomes intracrâniens depuis la réhabilitation du service de neurochirurgie en 2007. Les auteurs rapportent une série rétrospective portant sur 50 patients admis et opérés d'un méningiome intracrânien d'octobre 2007 à Juin 2013 dans leur service. Ont été inclus les patients ayant un dossier complet. Les patients étaient âgés de 08 à 70 ans avec une moyenne d’âge de 47,3 ans, 68% avaient plus de 40 ans. La sex-ratio était de 0,76. Les manifestations cliniques étaient essentiellement l'hypertension intracrânienne (46%), le déficit moteur (30%) et la comitialité (48%). La tomodensitométrie cérébrale était réalisée chez 41 patients et l'IRM chez 23. Le méningiome était localisé sur la convexité chez 24 patients. L'imagerie postopératoire immédiate était réalisée chez 15 patients. L'exérèse a consisté dans 44% des cas à un Sympson II, et dans 30% des cas à un Sympson III. L'anatomopathologie a conclu à une prédominance du type méningothélial (38%) et 60% des méningiomes étaient de grade I selon la classification de l'O.M.S. Aucun patient n'a bénéficié d'une radiothérapie. La mortalité était de 16%. Les pays d'Afrique subsaharienne continuent d'accuser un retard malgré les efforts réalisés dans les domaines diagnostic et thérapeutique des méningiomes intracrâniens. Le pronostic s'est considérablement amélioré à mesure de l'amélioration du plateau technique dans notre pays.

[Conjoined nerve root: about a case]

De découverte per-opératoire pour hernie discale, les anomalies d’émergence radiculaires constituent une entité rare. La présentation clinique est généralement identique à celle d'une radiculopathie. Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient âgé de 35 ans présentant une sciatique droite S1 hyperalgique rebelle aux multiples médications. L'IRM du rachis lombo-sacré avait mis en évidence une discopathie protrusive de petit volume en L5 S1 droite et un aspect de grosse racine ou de kyste de Tarlov au niveau de l’émergence droite de S1. Une fenestration inter lamaire L5-S1 droite avec une ablation du ligament jaune a montré une émergence radiculaire double au niveau de l'espace retro-discal. Un geste de foraminostomie a été réalisé sans discectomie. L’évolution a très favorable avec une rétrocession dès le lendemain. L'analyse pré-opératoire fine et rigoureuse de l'imagerie est indispensable. Une bonne libération améliore l’état clinique du patient. Y penser en cas de sciatique hyperalgique sans Lasègue.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutical study of depressed skull fractures in the neurosurgical department of the gabriel toure hospital: about 72 cases]

INTRODUCTION

Depressed skull fractures are common and frequent among neurosurgical diseases of whose danger stem from the associated intracranial lesions. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiological characteristics of depressed skull fractures, to determine their etiology, to describe the clinical signs, to highlight the complications and sequelae and to evaluate care management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was a retrospective and descriptive study from January to December 2013 including 72 patients admitted to the neurosurgical department of the Gabriel Toure hospital.

RESULTS

The frequency was 14.7% and the male to female ratio was 13.4. The peak frequency of these injuries occurred in the 16-to 25-year-old age group accounting for 38.9% of cases. Road traffic accidents were the most common causes of depressed skull fractures (59.7%). Neurosurgical treatment was performed in 25 (34.72%) patients and the most common surgical technique performed was the craniectomy in (64%). Infection of the wound was found in 15.3% and the mortality rate was 1.39%.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressed skull fractures are a frequent neurosurgical disease in the Gabriel Touré hospital. Young people are most affected and road traffic accidents involving motorbikes are the main cause the fractures. The infection of the wound is a poor prognostic factor. Therefore, an early management is required to expect a good outcome.

[Clinical and therapeutical aspects of lumbar stenosis in the gabriel touré hospital: about 24 cases]

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar stenosis is a disease caused by a conflict between the neural structures (spinal cord and nerve roots) and spinal structures (bones and ligaments). The objectives of this study were to highlight the frequency, the diagnosis and therapeutics options, and to evaluate the treatment outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was a retrospective study from January 2012 to December 2012 including 24 patients admitted to the neurosurgical department of the Gabriel Touré Hospital.

RESULTS

The frequency of lumbar stenosis was 6.19% of all neurosurgical diseases. The sex-ratio was 0.71. The age ranged from 28 to 81 years with an average of 52 years. The neurogenic claudication was found in 87.5%. The straight leg raising test was positive in 41.7% of cases. The most vertebras involved were L4 and L5. Lumbar disc herniation was associated in 70.83%. Degenerative lumbar stenosis was the most common form, found in 66.67% of cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 29.17% of cases. The outcome was good in 85.6% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar stenosis is a prevalent disease that occurs typically occurs around 50 years of age. The diagnosis was confirmed by myelography and a post myelographic CT scan. Good outcomes are achieved with both surgical or medical treatments.

[Surgical treatment of cervical disc hernia our experience on 9 cases]

INTRODUCTION

The cervical disc hernia is uncommon. Its diagnosis is usually easy. But his surgery known controversy between discectomy with or without graft associated or not osteosynthesis. Accordingly we report our experiment of this surgery through a small serie of 9 patients operated by anterior approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of nine (9) patients supported by an anterior cervical disk herniation between 2001 and 2006 at the General Hospital of Grand Yoff in Dakar. The diagnosis was made on clinical and cervical myéloscanner. The postoperative decline was between 1 and 5 years.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 43 years ranging from 20-68 years. A male prevalence (2/1) was noted. The majority of hernias was degenerative. It was mostly soft disc hernia that prevailed on floors C4-C5 and C5-C6. We always operated on the right side of the patient. We performed a discectomy of a floor in 8 cases and 2 floors in 1 case. The vertebral posterior longitudinal ligament was opened routinely. Graft with osteosynthesis was used in 4 cases. The outcome was good. A spontaneous fusion was noted in 7 cases.

CONCLUSION

The surgical treatment of cervical disc hernia is usually anterior approach. It is usually associated with good postoperative results.

[Schistosoma haematobium, a rare aetiology of spinal cord compression]

Human schistosomiasis is the second endemic disease after malaria. About 200 millions people are concerned, particularly in Africa, South America and Asia. Schistosomal spinal cord compression is under reported in Africa and not well known. Authors present the case of a 10-year-old boy with no suggestive past-medical story, admitted for spinal cord compression. MRI shows tumor like intra dural lesion. Schistosomal granuloma was found after lesion removal by posterior approach. Treatment was completed by praziquantel. Controversies of the treatment are presented.

[Bilateral chronic subdural hematoma, concerning 20 cases]

From January 2005 to December 2009, 20 patients have been treated for bilateral chronic subdural hematoma at the Grand Yoff General Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. This was a retrospective study concerning clinical, imaging, and therapeutic issues faced and comparing them to unilateral chronic subdural hematoma issues recorded during the same time period. Median age was 71 years old, ranging from 35 to 95 years old. 17 patients were male and were 3 female. Previous head trauma had been reported for 55% of the patients, high blood pressure - associated or not with diabetes mellitus - had been recorded in 45% of the patients. Clinical symptoms were marked by high intracranial pressure and motor deficits in 70% of cases and 40% showed a mental confusion. Brain CT scans were the key diagnostic tools; all patients undertook a scan and results demonstrated blood subdural collection with variable density in the right brain hemisphere (in 30% of cases). The focus of the surgical treatment was a bilateral burr hole, evacuation of the hematoma and no more than 3 days of postoperative drainage. The medical treatment consisted of an adapted hydro-electrolytic rehydration. The outcome of treatment was positive for 17 patients (85%), 2 patients suffered from subsequent hematoma and 1 patients passed away.

[Tuberculoma of the posterior fossa: 3 cases in the departement of neurosurgery, university hospital of Gabriel Toure]

The cerebral tuberculoma is an expansive process of slow evolution of the tuberculous bacillus. Bacteriological diagnosis is rarely made. It is usually radiological or histological. The treatment is medical and surgical. We conducted a retrospective study from March 2007 to February 2010 which focused on three cases of cerebral tuberculoma. Two of our patients were male, 75% against 25% female: The age of our three patients was respectively 47, 23, and 4 years. The history of extrapulmonary tuberculosis was found in one case. The heaviness of the head was the pattern in a patient operated on for Pott's disease. The diagnosis was suspected by neuroradiology in 3 patients and histological confirmation was made in 2 cases. The polychimiotherapy of 12 months was established and the improvement has been obtained from the third month of treatment.

[Abscess of the posterior cranial fossa. Report of 4 cases]

The posterior cerebral fossa is an uncommon location for cerebral abscess. In most cases diagnosis is made at the encapsulation stage with the risk of life-threatening tonsillar herniation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe our experience in the management of four cases of abscess located in the posterior cerebral fossa between January 2000 and December 2004. All patients benefited from clinical examination and radiological study (CT-scan). Surgical treatment performed in all cases consisted of trepano-puncture of the abscess. The minimum duration of post-operative follow-up was 6 months. Mean patient age was 38.75 years. All patients presented infectious syndrome and intracranial hypertension. The male:female sex ratio was 3:1. A history of chronic middle ear otitis was noted in two patients. Diagnosis of abscess in the posterior cerebral fossa was confirmed by CT-scan in 2 cases. Cholesteatoma and triventricular hydrocephaly were noted in 2 cases. All patients benefited from trepano-puncture of the abscess. Bacteriologic study of pus was positive for Staphylococcus aureus in 1 case, and Providencia Sp associated with Bactéroïdes fragilis in another. Second-stage radical mastoidectomy was performed in 2 cases. One patient died. The outcome was favorable in 3 cases. Because of the small size of the posterior cerebral fossa, abscess in that location requires emergency treatment. Delay can be life-threatening due to the risk of obstructive hydrocephaly and tonsillar herniation.

[The occipital encephaloceles: report of 16 cases]

The encephaloceles belong to dysraphic state abnormalities. Publications on this issue are rare and sparse in Africa. The aim of our study is to describe clinical patterns of occipital encephaloceles, and emphasize on surgery. We collect retrospectively a population of 16 patients. Cranial Ultrasound Echographia has been done for all of them. Only 3 patients got brain CT scan. Medium age was 2 months. The sex ratio was coted 1. The consanguinity was noted in 37% of the cases. The pedicular aspects were more frequent. With neuroimaging studies the diagnosis was reached everytime. It showed hydrocephalus on 3 patients. 15 patients have been operated. One dead before going to surgery. The outcome was good for 13 patients (81%). But 3 patients (18%) deaded, and among them, 2 deaded during post surgery period. A better clinical evaluation showed be done using MRI. The control of epidemiology of these conditions depend on the improvement of the quality of eating in particularly in women bearing child, and performing a genetic counseling.

[Cranial and cervical vertebral mycetoma. Report of three cases]

Mycetomas inflammatory-like tumors presenting as fistulas found in the skin and soft tissues. Inoculation, generally in tropical areas, occurs by skin injury. The foot is the main infection site. Other uncommon infection sites include the cranial and cervical areas which are rare. We present three cases of cranial and cervical mycetoma. Clinical sign were dominated by headache, cervical pain and cervico-occipital tumefaction with formation of pus and granules (red in two cases, black in one). A motor deficit was noted in one patient. Radiographic examinations including CT scan showed extensive mass lesions, associated with bone destruction. Laboratory tests identified Leptospheria senegalensis in one patient and Actinomadura pelletieri in two. A medicosurgical procedure was performed. The course was unfavourable in one patient. Several factors are important for treating such infections: early diagnosis, improvement of the social and economic environment, use of new drugs.

[Sciatic nerve in gluteal portion: application of sciatic nerve post injection lesion]

In our regions malaria is endemic and intraguteal injection is a common procedure. One unfortunate complication of that procedure appeared to be a sciatic nerve injury. The purpose of our study was to set up the anatomical feature and basis of this post injection lesion. We performed sciatic nerve gluteal dissection on 10 adults black African fresh cadavers on both side. The pathway of the nerve was 19 times in the subpiriformis canal. Only in one cadaver, the outlet of the nerve was above the piriformis muscle. In each case the pathway is identical with an oblique and vertical portion running down through the ischio-trochanteric channel. The nerve was crossed between its two portions by an arteriole coming from the inferior gluteal artery. The cutaneous projection of the sciatic nerve is distant from the upper lateral quadrant of the buttock. Intra-gluteal injections in this area doesn't damage the nerve. The anatomical variations of this nerve pathway are almost nonexistent. So, other hypothesis of sciatic nerve post injection lesion should be considered. We think that the local toxicity of quinine and its diffusion in the neurovascular gluteal area might explain the nerve lesion. Thus, the intramuscular injections should be replaced by the intravenous or rectal administration in children.

[Child cerebellar meningioma. A case report]

Meningioma is an uncommon tumor of childhood. In this group, supra tentorial forms predominate. We report the case of a 14 years old boy without any past medical history. He presented headaches, vomiting and cerebellar syndrome. CT scan shows cerebellar tumor, enhanced by contrast and surrounded by edema, looking like tuberculoma. After fail of tuberculosis treatment, the boy is operated by suboccipital approach. Histology and immuno histochemical examination show fibroblastic meningioma. Even if it is rare, meningioma can occur in childhood, without neurofibromatosis disease. It can present many points of likeness with tuberculoma and therefore biopsy is mandatory before tuberculosis drugs giving.

[Fronto-ethmoïdal encephaloceles in Dakar. Report of 9 cases]

A retrospective study of 9 cases of fronto-ethmoïdal encephaloceles is reported. Cases have been gathered from the files of Dakar University Neurosurgical Unit. Fronto-ethmoïdal encephaloceles were about 9.8% of all encephaloceles. In all the cases the exit hole from the anterior cranial fossa is at the site of the foramen caecum. The location of the tumor was fronto-nasal in seven patients and naso-ethmoïdal in two. The cranio-facial deformity consisted of increase of local volume and a lateral displacement of medial canthus in six cases, a down ward drift of the tip of the nose in two cases and one case of orbital hypertelorism. Eight cases were meningo-encephaloceles and the last a meningo-encephocystocele. Diola was the most ethnic group involved. All patients have been operated by a simple neurosurgical procedure without obstruction of the cranial defect nor bony displacement. In five cases mental and aesthetic results were good when operation was done during the first year of live. The authors stress early surgical treatment for fronto-ethmoïdal encephaloceles.

[Our experience with laminectomy in the treatment of spinal cord disease caused by cervical arthrosis: apropos of 42 cases]

Cervical spondylotic arthRosis may lead to a myelopathy and the question which can rise is: posterior surgical decompression is adequate regarding the others surgical technics discussed? In this paper the authors describe the postoperative results of 42 patients who have been operated on by laminectomy from 1971 to 1995 at Fann Hospital in Dakar. The median age was 42 years and the median delay between the onset of neurological disorders and operation was 5.9 months. All patients showed symptoms of spinal cord and root disturbances. Neuro-imaging studies with plan X-rays and myelography reveal arthrosis and the impact of this arthrosis on nervous system. With a follow up of 6 months we found a mortality rate of 4.7% (two cases of death), 66.8% of good results and 28.5% of fail. Eighteen months post surgery results were respectively 52.3% and 45.7% of good and poor results. The complications of the laminectomy were peri operative hemorrhage (19%); sepsis (21.4%); spine cord traumatic injuries (9.5%) spondylolisthesis (4.7%). Laminectomy has been found to improve "spine syndrome"; paresthesia; fasciculations, and sensory deficits. Also three level laminectomy and surgery which can take place before six months are good prognosis factors. The authors stressed on laminectomy because of our low medical care situations particularly that no other surgical procedures through the modern literature leads to better results.

[Arachnoid cyst with orbital meningocele: a case report]

Arachnoïd cysts are rare. 1% of cranial neoformation. We report the case of a six years old boy who presented an arachnoid cyst impressive by its compressive phenomena. Present complaint are macrocrania and right orbitary tumor. Tomodensitometry reveal a huge liquid collection which starts from the right cerebellopontine angle to the frontal region and invading the orbital cavity. In addition we have a thalamic fusion Its congenital origin is obvious. The associated malformations seem to be related to an anomaly of the centre line. This case point out the primum movens of malformations which are often complex and whose antenatal diagnosis is rare in our countries

[Intraspinal abscess and HIV infection: a case report]

The intramedullary abscess (I.M.A.) is an uncommon and heavy etiology of intramedullary mass syndrom. Since the first description by HART in 1830, about 82 cases have been reported in literature and in one case, it was associated to H.I.V. infection. The authors report a new case in a 52 years old Senegalese man with per operative diagnosis of I.M.A. and post operative diagnosis of H.I.V. infection. They set up difficulties of pre operative diagnosis, and poor results of treatment in such an association. Also they discuss pathogeny and share Magnetic Resonance Imaging (R.M.I.) studies in management.

[Cauda equina compression: report of 20 cases]

The authors report in a retrospective study, 20 cases of cauda equina compressions operated in the Neurosurgical department of the University Hospital of Dakar. Clinical aspects, aetiologies, and prognosis are discussed. Cauda equina compressions represented 13.2% of all medullar and radicular compressions. Diagnosis was delayed with a mean duration of 11.2 months. Chronic lumbar pain is the main initial sign, diagnosis is made at the state of paraplegia with sphincter dysfunction. Lumbar canal stenosis (40%) and herniated disc (30%) were the most frequent causes, tumors were rare. Surgical treatment gave good results about motor deficit; urinary incontinence is a frequent sequella. The authors emphasize an early diagnosis for prognosis improvement.

[Spinal cord injuries in Senegal: 16 cases]

Penetrating spinal cord injuries (P.S.C.I.) are rarely described in Sub Saharian countries in spite of an increasing number of wars. To study epidemiology management and prognosis of P.S.C.I. in Senegal, population of 16 patients collected from Fann Hospital in Dakar has been studied. 9 cases were related on gunshot or shrapnel injuries and 6 were stab-wounded. 8 came from war practice and 7 from civilian practice. The point of entry was at the posterior or lateral part of the body and continuous leaking of cerebral spinal fluid from this point was founded only in one patient. Patients showed a clinical picture of a complete spinal cord section syndrome, 3 spinal cord hemisection Brown Sequard syndromes, 3 cauda equina syndromes and 1 monoradicular syndrome. Spinal X-rays or myelography may lead to an accurate evaluation of the extent of bone tissue destruction. Anatomical evaluation of roots and spinal cord lesions were more difficult when C.T. scan or R.M.I. is not available. Penetrating spinal cord injury with foreign body included or myelography stop or showing cauda equina syndrome should be operated on. 9 of our patients has benefited of spine surgical posterior approach (laminectomy). Immediate vital prognosis is good regarding the fact that visceral associated lesions were rare (2 cases). Functional recovery is fair only 46.6% of patients expressed partial or complete recovery. Prognosis factors such as injuring agent and initial neurological status has been discussed. Prognosis of penetrating spinal cord injuries could be improved by immediate and multidisciplinary management.

[Spinal neurinomas and neurofibromas in Senegal]

Authors present 13 cases of spinal neurinomas and neurofibromas out of 418 non- pottic, non-traumatic medullary compression operated between 1965 and 1995. All cases were histologically documented. Neurinomas and neurofibromas represent 3.1% of all non pottic, non traumatic medullary compression and 12.8% of tumour medullary compression operated in our service. The illness started with radicular pains (6 cases) and spinal ache (5 cases) and most of the time, the medullary compression diagnosis is completed at the spasmodic paraplegia status. No patient has done any C.T. scan but in the other hand a myelography has been completed in all cases, resulting in the blockage of the contrast product which in 4 cases was of an epidural type, and in 2 cases of intra dural type. All patients were operated through a posterior approach, which ended in 10 cases to a total removal, and in 3 cases to a partial one. 7 extradural localizations were noticed and 3 neurinomas, 3 neurofibromas and 1 neurofibrosarcoma were histologically identified. A post operative follow-up was done on 11 patients and a satisfactory result was obtained on 6 of them. In 2 cases, the neurological status remained unchanged. In 2 cases a deterioration occurred and a patient with neurofibrosarcoma passed away.

[Pott's spinal cord compression in the child]

Spinal tuberculosis is the first etiology of spinal cord compression in our areas. We are studying the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of Pott's disease. We have collected all children aged from 0 to 15 years admitted for Pott's disease in department of Neurology in CHU Fann SenegaIL from January 1st 1983 to December 31st 1997 spinal tuberculosis. The diagnosis was both clinical and paraclinical. 27 children aged to 2-15 years were hospitalized for Pott's disease. The sex-ratio was equal to 2 in favour of boys. 77.77% of patients were consulted more than a month after the outbreak of the paraplegia. The notion of tuberculous contagion was found in 25.92% of the cases. The main clinical signs were paralysis of the limbs, sensory symptoms and bladder sphincter dysfunction. In 96.29% anomaly of disc and vertebra were recorded, more often affecting two vertebrae. The myelography, performed in 13 patients objectivized an epidural stop in 92.30% of the cases. There was a favorable evolution in 92% of patients under antituberculous chemotherapy. Spinal tuberculosis is an affection cheating all ages and it remains the first etiology of spinal cord compression in our areas. Therefore there is a necessity of primary safety by fighting against tuberculosis what is still in our areas.

[Intracranial meningiomas. The Dakar experience apropos of 79 cases]

We report our experience with 79 intracranial meningiomas operated on between 1960 and 1995 in Dakar Senegal. In our geographical region issues concerning diagnosis, therapy and clinical course are still a topic of debate due mainly to the lack of high-performance technical units. All patients were admitted with evident symptoms. The classically described prevalence was not found in this series. Thirty-one cases presented intracranial hypertension with or without a focal syndrome which evidenced a motor deficit in 32 cases and irritative lesions in 24. External bulging of the meningioma was observed in a large number of cases (11.4%). Until 1994, angiography was the only available means of diagnosis. Mortality was high (30 cases) and results depended on delay to surgery, tumor localization and operative conditions. Our results have been improving over the years but cannot be sustained unless the technical unit is upgraded.

[Dorsal cord compression by aspergilloma. Apropos of a case]

Spinal cord compressions are mainly due to Pott disease. We present a rare case. A 31 years old woman presenting a spinal cord compression due to an aspergilloma. Our patient presented also a pulmonary aspergillosis. The spinal compression was due to a contiguous extension of aspergillus to the epidural site. The treatment associated surgery and medical treatment (Ketoconazole), with efficient results.

[Caudal regression syndrome associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome]

In this paper, one case of syndrome of caudal suppression associated with a syndrome of Klippel Feil is discussed. It concerned a 14 years old boy, born form a diabetic mother with congenital abnormalities such as: urinary incontinence, facial dysmorphia, a short neck, an arachnodactylia, a lumbar kyphosis, a permanent flexion of the knee, a kalipe cavus, the spine, a partial agenesis of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae a total agenesis of the fifth and sacrum; This syndrome is infrequent and the pathophysiological mechanisms are still under discussion and no therapeutic strategy is proposed. This case offers an opportunity to the authors to make review of the medical literature on this subject. They emphasized on the interest to look for a vertebro-medullary malformation every time a child comes to us with walking problem or enuresia, this fact should be enforced when mother is diabetic.

[Lumbosacral intraspinal lipomas associated or not with a tethered cord syndrome (series of 8 cases)]

The authors report a surgical experience on eight case of intra spinal lipomas. These lumbo-sacral malformations belong to post-neurulation defect, in such conditions spinal cord undergoes tethering while child growing that lead to a slow neurological disturbance. Through this study, authors show that female is more involved than male (5/3. On 6 cases the diagnosis have been made before the age of 2 years old. Three groups of signs characterize dramatically intra spinal lipomas: skin-median lumbo-sacral stigmata (8 cases) such as hypertrichosis, nevi etc. neuro-orthopedic disturbance(3 cases): club foot, paraparesis. sphincter disturbance: vesical or anal incontinence. In the lack of C.T. scan and M.R.I. contrast medium myelography confirm the diagnosis. Surgical excision lead to characterization of 4 extra dural lipomas, one sub dural, and 3 mixed lipomas. 75% of the patient improved well. One dealing with this kind of pathology must avoid the misdiagnosis of enuresis.

[Peritoneal pseudocysts: complications of ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. Apropos of 3 cases]

From 1975 to 1995, 335 patients were operated for hydrocephalus in neurosurgical clinic of CHU Fann, and got ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. 3 cases of patients presenting an uncommon complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt: abdominal pseudo cyst, are reported and discussed. The digestive symptoms are the first to manifest themselves for a period of time, then confusing with other forms of abdominal cysts. The suggested treatment is to remove the shunt from the peritoneal cavity and perform a ventriculo-atrial shunt, then to proceed to a laparotomy, drain the fluid and resect the cyst wall. The results are excellent.

[Mycetoma with neurological manifestations. Inherent therapeutic difficulties in these localizations. Apropos of 5 cases]

The authors report five cases of mycetomas with an original localization, cranio-encephalic and vertebro medullary. Four times it concerned a dorsal or cervical mycetoma with deep enlargement responsible for compression of the spinal cord. In the 5th case, scalp infection reached the dura mater. All patients have got histopathological diagnosis. Therapeutic difficulties are evocated about these singular localizations in a pathology for which greater amputation stands as the rule.

[Spinal meningiomas. Apropos of 14 cases]

Fourteen cases of spinal meningiomas were reviewed. There were 5 males and 9 females, with an average age of 40 years who underwent surgical treatment at the Neurosurgical Division of Dakar University Teaching Hospital. The thoracic spine was involved in 10 cases. The location of the tumor in the spinal canal was epidural in 6 cases and subdural in 8 cases. 7 patients (50%) had marked improvement or stabilization: 4 patients died and in 3 cases, a recurrence was noted. The authors emphasize diagnostic difficulties encountered in the epidural forms.