Staged or simultaneous operations for ventriculoperitoneal shunt and cranioplasty: Evidence from a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To date, there is no consensus on the surgery strategies of cranioplasty (CP) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the safety of staged and simultaneous operation in patients with comorbid cranial defects with hydrocephalus to inform future surgery protocols.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from the inception dates to February 8, 2023 adherent to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. The pooled analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. The outcomes included postoperative infection, reoperation, shunt obstruction, hematoma, and subdural effusion.

RESULTS

Of the 956 studies initially retrieved, 10 articles encompassing 515 patients were included. Among the total patients, 193 (37.48%) and 322 (62.52%), respectively, underwent simultaneous and staged surgeries. The finding of pooled analysis indicated that staged surgery was associated with lower rate of subdural effusion (14% in the simultaneous groups vs. 5.4% in the staged groups; OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.04-5.49, p = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences in overall infection (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 0.74-4.97, p = 0.18), central nervous system infection (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.68-3.31, p = 0.31), cranioplasty infection (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.50-5.00, p = 0.44), shunt infection (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.38-4.52, p = 0.67), reoperation (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.38-6.00, p = 0.55), shunt obstruction (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.25-2.16, p = 0.57), epidural hematoma (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 0.62-7.86, p = 0.22), subdural hematoma (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.10-14.19, p = 0.88), and intracranial hematoma (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.42-4.07, p = 0.64). Moreover, subgroup analysis failed to yield new insights.

CONCLUSIONS

Staged surgery is associated with a lower rate of postoperative subdural effusion. However, from the evidence of sensitivity analysis, this result is not stable. Therefore, our conclusion should be viewed with caution, and neurosurgeons in practice should make individualized decisions based on each patient's condition and cerebrospinal fluid tap test.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) induced cerebral edema complicating small chronic subdural hematoma/hygroma/ at Zewuditu memorial hospital: a case report

BACKGROUND

While both DKA & CSDH/subdural hygroma/ are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality, there is no a study that shows the role & effect of DKA on CSDH/subdural hygroma/ & vice versa to authors' best knowledge; hence this work will show how important relation does exist between DKA & CSDH/ hygroma. This study highlights the diagnostic & management challenges seen for a case of a 44 years old female black Ethiopian woman admitted with a diagnosis of newly diagnosed type 1 DM with DKA + small CSDH/subdural hygroma/ after she presented with sever global headache and a 3 month history of lost to her work. She needed burrhole & evacuation for complete clinical improvement besides DKA's medical treatment.

CONCLUSION

DKA induced cerebral edema on the CSDH/subdural hematoma/ can have a role in altering any of the parameters (except the thickness of CSDH) for surgical indication of patients with a diagnosis of both CSDH +DM with DKA. Hence, the treating physicians should be vigilant of different parameters that suggests tight brain &/ cerebral edema (including midline shift, the status of cisterns, fissures & sulci) and should not be deceived of the thickness of the CSDH/subdural hygroma/alone; especially when there is a disproportionately tight brain for the degree of collection. Whether DKA induced cerebral edema causes a subdural hygroma is unknown and needs further study.

Surgical complications of decompressive craniectomy in patients with head injury

INTRODUCTION

Decompressive craniectomy is an important method for managing refractory intracranial hypertension. Although decompressive craniectomy is a relatively simple procedure, various complications may arise. The aim of our paper was to determine the incidence of complications of decompressive craniectomy in patients with head injury and to analyse their risk factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed a group of 94 patients after decompressive craniectomy for head injury between 01 Jan 2014 and 31 Dec 2018. Postoperative complications were evaluated based on clinical examination and postoperative CT scan. The impact of potential risk factors on the occurrence of complications was assessed (age, worse initial clinical condition, any haemocoagulation disorder).

RESULTS

Twenty patients died within the first month after surgery. Control CT scan showed one complication in 78 patients (83%), while 46 patients (49%) had more than one complication. We had to reoperate 22 patients (23.4%) due to a complication. The following complications were found: postoperative acute subgaleal/subdural haematoma (30× - 32%), subgaleal/subdural cerebrospinal fluid effusion (29× - 31%), soft tissues oedema (29× - 31%), haemorrhagic progression of brain contusion (17× - 18%), malignant brain oedema (8× - 8.5%), hydrocephalus (8× - 8.5%), temporal muscle atrophy (7× - 7.5%), peroperative massive bleeding ( 6× - 6.4%), epilepsy (4× - 4.3%), syndrome of the trephined (2× - 2.1%), skin necrosis (2× - 2.1%). Patients with a haemocoagulation disorder had a significantly higher incidence of complications (p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Complications of decompressive craniectomy after head injury are frequent. The potential benefit of decompressive craniectomy can be adversely affected by the occurrence of many complications.

Ruptured intracranial arachnoid cysts in the subdural space: evaluation of subduro-peritoneal shunts in a pediatric population

PURPOSE

Rupture of arachnoid cysts (AC) in the subdural space after trauma may cause a subacute/chronic subdural hematoma or a hygroma. Treatment of this complication still remains controversial, and no consensual strategy is to date clearly proposed. In this study, the authors evaluated the clinical and radiological evolution of patients treated by a subduro-peritoneal shunt for symptomatic subdural collections complicating ruptured AC.

METHODS

Medical records of the 10 patients treated at our institution between January 2005 and December 2018 for a subdural collection associated with an intracranial AC were reviewed. Subduro-peritoneal shunts consisted of low-pressure valves from 2005 to 2012 (6 cases) and medium-pressure valves after 2012 (4 cases).

RESULTS

A benign head trauma was retrospectively found in the history of 8 patients. The mean time to diagnosis ranged from 15 days to 5 months. Symptoms resulted mainly from intracranial hypertension. Six patients had an ipsilateral hygroma to the AC, 2 patients had a bilateral hygroma predominantly to the AC side, and 2 patients presented an ipsilateral chronic subdural hematoma. Arachnoid cysts were classified as Galassi I in 5 cases and Galassi II in 5 cases. Patients with chronic subdural hematoma were given a medium-pressure valve. Patients with subdural hygroma received a low-pressure valve in 6 cases and a medium-pressure valve in 2 cases. There were no complications during surgical procedures. All patients were rapidly free of symptoms after surgery and were discharged from hospital 1 to 4 days postoperatively. The subdural collection completely disappeared in all cases. In the long term, only 2 patients with low-pressure valves underwent shunt removal without any consequences, while a second surgical procedure was necessary to treat recurrence of intracranial hypertension in the 4 remaining cases. All the medium-pressure valves were removed without problems. The size of the AC was reduced in 3 cases, remained stable in 4 cases, and increased in 3 cases. No patients experienced recurrence of subdural collection during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Medium-pressure subduro-peritoneal shunts should be considered as part of the arsenal of surgical strategy in symptomatic ruptured AC in the subdural space. The procedure is simple with a very low morbidity, and it allows rapid improvement of symptoms. Although the shunt is located in the subdural space, we strongly recommend avoiding devices which may create an overdrainage and expose the patient to shunt dependency such as low-pressure shunts.

Symptomatic posterior fossa and supratentorial subdural hygromas as a rare complication following transarticular screw fixation with posterior wiring for atlantoaxial instability: A case report

RATIONALE

Atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation has been an effective and appealing method for inducing fusion of the C1-C2 complex. This technique is usually performed with Gallie fusion. In performing Gallie fusion using sublaminar wiring, a major concern is the risk of dural tear associated with passing sublaminar wires through the epidural space. We present the first report on symptomatic symptomatic subdural hygroma (SDH) due to transarticular screw fixation with posterior wiring.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

A 50-year-old man had sustained dens fracture 20 years ago and presented with severe neck pain following a recent traffic accident. The images showed atlantoaxial instability due to nonunion of the dens fracture and the patient underwent transarticular screw fixation with posterior sublaminar wiring using Gallie technique. When the U-shaped wire was passed under the arch of C1 from inferior to superior, a dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred. The site of dural tear was repaired by direct application of sutures. The patient was discharged in good condition. Fifteen day after surgery, the patient was readmitted with a history of a progressive headache associated with vomiting and vertigo.

DIAGNONSIS

Brain CT and MRI showed bilateral posterior fossa and a right-sided supratentorial SDH.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent right occipital burr hole and evacuation of posterior fossa SDH due to deteriorating neurological status.

OUTCOMES

The patient's condition gradually improved after the operation and became asymptomatic at 3-year follow-up.

LESSONS

Posterior fossa and supratentorial SDH could occur resulting from any intraoperative dural tear and CSF leakage during posterior cervical spinal surgery. Symptomatic SDH after posterior cervical spinal surgery should be cautiously assessed and treated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Minicraniotomy with a subgaleal pocket for the treatment of subdural fluid collections in infants

OBJECTIVE

Various surgical techniques have been described to treat subdural fluid collections in infants, including transfontanelle aspiration, burr holes, subdural drain, subduroperitoneal shunt, and minicraniotomy. The purpose of this study was to describe a modification of the minicraniotomy technique that avoids the implantation of external drainage catheters and potentially carries a higher success rate.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the authors describe 11 cases involving pediatric patients who underwent parietal minicraniotomies for the evacuation of subdural fluid collections. In contrast to cases previously described in the literature, no patient received a drain; instead, a subgaleal pocket was created such that the fluid could flow from the subdural to the subgaleal space. Preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed, including neurological examination findings, radiological findings, complications, hospital length of stay, and findings on follow-up examinations and imaging. The primary outcome was failure of the treatment strategy, defined as an increase in subdural fluid collection requiring further intervention.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (8 boys and 3 girls, median age 4.5 months) underwent the described procedure. Eight of the patients had complete resolution of the subdural collection on follow-up imaging, and 2 had improvement. One patient had a new subdural collection due to a second injury. Only 1 patient underwent aspiration and subsequent surgical repair of a pseudomeningocele after the initial surgery. Notably, no patients required subduroperitoneal shunt placement.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe a new surgical option for subdural fluid collections in infants that allows for more aggressive evacuation of the subdural fluid and eliminates the need for a drain or shunt placement. Further work with more patients and direct comparison to other alternative therapies is necessary to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new technique.

Subdural Hygroma Following Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Understanding the Pathophysiology

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has overtaken the use of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the treatment of congenital hydrocephalus. Although ETV is relatively safe, several postoperative complications have been reported. One of the least described and understood complications is subdural hygroma following third ventriculostomy.

METHODS

In this series, we retrospectively analyzed patients who were managed for postventriculostomy subdural hygroma and analyzed the possible factors responsible for this condition.

RESULTS

A total of 248 patients who underwent ETV between 2014 and 2016 were included in this study. Twelve patients (4.8%) had developed subdural hygroma, including 6 patients with bilateral hygroma, 2 with contralateral hygroma, and 4 with ipsilateral subdural hygroma. Only 4 patients (1.6%) were symptomatic, with complains of pseudomeningocele, persistent vomiting, or headache. Significant mass effect was present in 2 patients with unilateral subdural hygroma, which improved after placement of a subduroperitoneal shunt. In 1 patient, the subdural hygroma decreased with persistent ventriculomegaly and improved after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation. One patient with posttraumatic hydrocephalus who had a bilateral subdural hygroma following ETV improved with conservative management. At a 12-month follow-up, all patients remained asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-ETV subdural hygroma may result from poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the subarachnoid space, dysfunction of the stoma with persistence of the ventriculosubdural fistula, or altered CSF cytology, such as hemorrhage. Most of these patients remain asymptomatic and improve with time. Symptomatic patients should be properly evaluated for the cause of the formation of subdural hygroma, which will guide the appropriate interventions.

Subdural hygroma secondary to rupture of an intracranial arachnoid cyst: description of 2cases and review of the literature

The appearance of a subdural hygroma after the rupture of an arachnoid cyst wall is extremely rare, with very few cases described in the literature. Most cases are due to a traumatic cause. The therapeutic approach in symptomatic cases is controversial, with a current tendency toward conservative management initially. In those cases that require surgical treatment, multiple therapeutic options are available, with fenestration techniques being recommended as first-line treatment. We describe 2cases treated in our centre and review the literature.

Clinical outcomes of temporary shunting for infants with cerebral pseudomeningocele

OBJECTIVE

Although in the case of subdural collections temporary shunting has been suggested as a viable alternative for definitive drainage of the accumulated fluid until restoration of the normal CSF dynamics, there is no agreement on the best management strategy for pseudomeningocele.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective chart review in order to evaluate the clinical outcomes of infants temporarily shunted for pseudomeningocele without encephalocele at our institution (The University of Illinois at Peoria/Illinois Neurological Institute) in the period from 2004 to 2012. The epidemiological characteristics, clinical management, and final outcomes of such subpopulation were compared with a control group which received temporary shunting for subdural hematomas (SDH) during the same period.

RESULTS

Four patients (100% male) ranging in age from 8.9 to 27.1 months (mean = 13.88) with pseudomeningocele and 17 patients (64.7% male) ranging in age from 1.9 to 11.8 months (mean = 4.15) with SDH were identified. Although the initial management included sequential percutaneous subdural tapping in 82% of the patients, all children ultimately failed such strategy, requiring either subdural-peritoneal (81% of the cases) or subgaleal-peritoneal (19% of the cases) shunting. The mean implant duration was 201 days for the pseudomeningocele group and 384 days for the SDH one. Mean post-shunt hospitalization was 2 days for patients with pseudomeningocele and 4 days for patients with SDH. There was no statistical difference in terms of complications, length of hospitalization post-shunting, or clinical outcomes between the patients with pseudomeningocele and those with SDH.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporary shunting of infants with pseudo-meningocele constitutes a viable therapeutic alternative with favorable clinical outcomes and a low risk of shunt dependency similar to those of children with SDH.

[Management of arachnoid cysts of the middle cranial fossa accompanied by subdural effusions]

Subdural effusions are uncommon but known complications of arachnoid cysts of the middle cranial fossa. They mainly occur after minor head traumas in young patients. Here, we report eight cases of arachnoid cyst of the middle cranial fossa associated with subdural hematoma in five cases and hygroma in three cases. Major symptoms are signs of raised intracranial pressure. CT scan and MRI showed the cyst and the subdural effusion. An excellent therapeutic result was achieved with evacuation of the subdural fluid via burr holes in the five cases of subdural hematoma while in the two cases of hygroma a subduro-peritoneal shunt was necessary. In the last case, a temporal craniotomy was performed with evacuation of the hygroma and fenestration of the cyst. We suggest treating only the complicating event in the case of a subdural hematoma via burr holes evacuation. Whereas, in the case of hygroma we think that craniotomy with fenestration of the cyst or the use of a subdural shunt are more often needed.

Hypothalamic dysfunctions as a late consequence of surgical opening of the lamina terminalis. A controversial hypothesis

BACKGROUND

Opening of the lamina terminalis is often used in surgery of the optico-chiasmatic region. Consequently, alteration of cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF) dynamics can occur after this manoeuvre, thus potentially translating into clinical complications. Herein, we describe 2 cases in which clinically relevant hypothalamic dysfunctions developed after few days opening of the lamina terminalis both patients showed mild to moderate preoperative hydrocephalus which improved postoperatively.

CASES DESCRIPTION

In a patient with ruptured aneurysm of the basilar bifurcation, opening of the lamina terminalis was performed prior to acute-stage clipping. On postoperative day 7th, the patient developed significant subdural hygroma, mild disturbances of consciousness and increase of ADH concentration. These clinical features resolved only following subdural hygroma drainage and ventricular-peritoneal shunting. One previously operated patient in whom the lamina terminalis had been opened to remove a sizeable parasellar tumour showed a similar post-operative course. In this patient, sole subdural hygroma drainage was not an effective treatment, and the patient died subsequently for complications related to long-standing, though mild, hypothalamic dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience may suggest that hypothalamic dysfunctions should be reminded as a possible, although rare, complication following the opening of the lamina terminalis. This clinical condition, if not properly managed, may contribute to trigger severe life-threatening complications.

Management of infratentorial subdural hygroma complicating foramen magnum decompression: a report of three cases

Decompression of the foramen magnum for symptomatic Chiari malformation attends a small but significant risk of infratentorial subdural extra-arachnoid hygroma when an arachnoid-sparing procedure is attempted. We present three cases whereby an arachnoid-sparing procedure was carried out and resulted in infratentorial subdural hygroma and hydrocephalus. The complication was managed by re-exploration of the posterior fossa and wide arachnoidotomy. In cases whereby the decision has been made to open the dura, we recommend routine arachnoidotomy in foramen magnum decompression, avoiding the risks of infratentorial subdural hygroma. In cases where arachnoid-sparing procedures have been attempted and subdural hygroma subsequently develops, we advocate re-exploration of the posterior fossa rather than cerebrospinal fluid diversion.

Arachnoid cysts of the middle cranial fossa accompanied by subdural effusions--experience with 60 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Subdural effusions (SDEs) can complicate arachnoid cysts of the middle cranial fossa (ACMFs). While there is a consensus that at least in adults asymptomatic ACMFs should not be operated, those with concomitant subdural and/or intracystic effusions are clinically apparent in the majority of cases and should be surgically treated. But it remains unclear, which surgical procedure is best.

METHODS

Since 1980, 60 out of 343 patients with an ACMF presented with accompanying SDEs. Four categories of SDEs were differentiated radiologically. This collective was controlled in a follow-up study up to 60 months after conservative or operative treatment by clinical and radiological means.

RESULTS

In 54 of the 60 patients, we saw an indication for surgical treatment. Twenty-nine patients received a burr hole, 13 cases were treated by craniotomy, seven by endoscopical means, three patients underwent shunting and two combined procedures. Six patients were treated conservatively. An excellent final clinical outcome was observed in 55 cases. While craniotomy succeeded best to reduce the cyst volume in postoperative CT, the final clinical outcome did not differ significantly compared with burr hole trepanation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with small effusions can be treated conservatively in selected cases. Based on our experience, we prefer a differentiated therapy. As first procedure, burr hole and subdural drainage were performed, leaving the cyst alone, seeming sufficient for the majority of cases. Craniotomy or endoscopical means should be reserved as treatment of choice for special cases, depending on category and acuteness of SDE and size/localisation of the ACMF.

[Dilation of subarachnoid space around the optic nerve in a patient with subdural effusion: a case report]

A fifty-year-old man who had a history of minor head injury a month previously presented with headache, visual disturbance and papilloedema. Brain MR imaging showed bilateral subdural effusion and fat saturated orbital MR imaging demonstrated dilated subarachnoid space around the optic nerve. The diameter of the subarachnoid space behind the globe was 7.0 mm and that of the optic nerve was 3.5 mm. Bilateral simple drainage was performed to prevent deterioration of the visual disturbance. Light bloody fluid with a subdural pressure of 10.5 cmH2O was drained from the burr hole at the left side, and colorless fluid was drained from the right. Orbital MR imaging during continuous drainage revealed shrinkage of the subarachnoid space around the optic nerve. However, follow-up MR imaging 5 months after drainage showed disappearance of the subdural effusion and the reappearance of the subarachnoid space around the optic nerve, even though the size was smaller than before surgery. These findings suggest that the diameter of the optic subarachnoid space co-relates with the intracranial pressure, and may be an indication for increased intracranial pressure.

Posterior fossa subdural hygroma with supratentorial chronic subdural haematoma

Posterior fossa subdural hygromas are very rare. They tend to occur following direct occipital trauma. We present an unusual case of complex subdural hygroma of the posterior fossa, which was associated with a supratentorial chronic subdural haematoma. This developed after an apparently minor injury to the head. The unusual features of our case are discussed. We also review the literature and discuss the natural history and pathogenesis of subdural hygroma.

The posterior pedicle inferior turbinate flap: a new vascularized flap for skull base reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) for the resection of lesions of the anterior and ventral skull base can create large defects with a significant risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks or exposure of the internal carotid artery. In these cases, a reconstruction using a vascularized flap facilitates rapid and complete healing of the defect. The Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap (HBF), a posterior pedicle nasoseptal flap, is our preferred reconstructive option; however, a prior posterior septectomy or prior wide sphenoidotomies preclude its use. We have developed two additional pedicled flaps to reconstruct these selected patients: the transpterygoid temporoparietal fascia flap, which is suitable for large defects, and the posterior pedicle inferior turbinate flap (PPITF), the subject of this paper.

METHODS

We developed a flap comprising the inferior turbinate mucoperiosteum pedicled on the inferior turbinate artery, a terminal branch of the posterior lateral nasal artery, which arises from the sphenopalatine artery. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of four patients who underwent a skull base reconstruction using a PPITF.

RESULTS

Four patients underwent a reconstruction with the PPITF after undergoing an EEA that produced a skull base defect associated with a CSF fistula (n = 2), an exposed internal carotid artery (n = 1), or a basilar aneurysm clip (n = 1). All patients had undergone posterior septectomies as part of previous EEAs. All flaps healed uneventfully and covered the entire defect.

CONCLUSION

The PPITF is a viable reconstructive option for patients with skull base defects of a limited size defect and in whom the HBF is not available.

Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction With a Galeal-Pericranial Flap

Excision of neoplasm and trauma involving the anterior cranial base may often result in communication between the intracranial and extracranial compartments. Many techniques have been proposed to obtain a watertight separation. We report our 5 years of experience in the management of anterior skull base defects using a galeal-pericranial flap. Between January 2001 and April 2006, 22 patients were treated for a cranial base reconstruction at the University of Messina. Five of them presented with persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after previous craniofacial trauma. Ten underwent a combined maxillofacial-neurosurgical approach for the removal of a benign tumor involving the anterior skull base. Seven had severe craniofacial trauma, which required an intervention of reconstruction of the anterior skull base. In the whole series, a galeal-pericranial flap was used to separate intra- and extracranial compartments. No patients developed postoperative brain contusions or subdural-epidural blood collections. Throughout the follow-up period, there was no evidence of flap failure. In all but one patient, no postoperative CSF leak was evident. In one patient, a mild transient postoperative CSF leakage was present. There has been no recurrent CSF leak or meningitis. The follow up average of 23 months shows no incidence of infection. Even if our series does not comprise malignancies and previously irradiated patients, our data confirm the validity of the galeal- pericranial flap for the surgical management of minimal and moderately sized defects of anterior cranial base.

[A case of hydrocephalus in follow-up of post-traumatic subdural effusion]

We report an interesting case of hydrocephalus following traumatic subdural effusion. A 50-year-old male was diagnosed as a traumatic subdural effusion. Three months later, he was transferred to our hospital again because of conscious disturbance and incontinence. Emergent CT showed characteristic hydrocephalus. The lateral ventricle and the third ventricle were remarkably enlarged. After Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, the symptoms and radiographical findings were resolved. Both the compression of arachnoid villi around the superior saggital sinus and stenosis of the aqueduct by subdural effusion could be associated with the cause of hydrocephalus in this case.

Chiari-like tonsillar herniation associated with intracranial hypotension in Marfan syndrome

The authors describe the case of a 12-year-old girl with Marfan syndrome, sacral dural ectasia, and tonsillar herniation, who presented with headache. Initially, it was hypothesized that the headaches were secondary to the tonsillar herniation, and the patient consequently underwent surgical decompression of the foramen magnum. Postoperatively, the patient's condition did not improve, and additional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated evidence of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak at the level of the dural ectasia. It was surmised that the girl's symptoms were due to spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and that the tonsillar herniation was caused by the leakage. The patient responded well to application of a blood patch at the level of the demonstrated leak, and her headache resolved. This appears to be the first reported case of a patient with Marfan syndrome presenting with a symptomatic spontaneous CSF leak complicated by tonsillar herniation. In this rare association of SIH and connective tissue disorders, recognition of the clinical signs and typical MR imaging features of SIH may lead to more appropriate and less invasive treatment, potentially avoiding surgery.

Determinants of success in endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid leak repair

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors influencing success in endoscopic repair of CSF leaks of the anterior skull base.

METHODS

Through retrospective chart review, 24 endoscopic closures of anterior skull base CSF leaks were analyzed for factors correlating with initial repair outcome.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with either spontaneous leaks or iatrogenic leaks arising from FESS were repaired with significantly lower recurrence rate (8%) than 11 patients with leaks induced by skull base procedures (45%). However, in the latter group, only 14% recurred when the dural defect was directly visualized, whereas leaks always recurred when bony dehiscences were patched in the absence of visible dural defects. Such defects were least frequently localized in patients with craniotomy-induced leaks. A trend toward morbid obesity was also noted among repair failures.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct visualization of the dural defect is essential for endoscopic repair of anterior skull base CSF leaks, with craniotomy-induced leaks being the most challenging to localize. Obesity is another likely factor contributing to repair failure.

A review of 59 consecutive patients with lesions of the anterior cranial base operated on using the subcranial approach

INTRODUCTION

Lesions of the anterior cranial fossa are still a challenge for the surgeon. Since Joram Raveh introduced the concept of a subcranial approach in 1978 it has been used in the treatment of lesions extending into the anterior cranial fossa. Our experience with the subcranial approach during the past 8 years at Turku University Central Hospital is described.

PATIENTS

Fifty-nine consecutive patients underwent surgery using the subcranial approach for treating various benign and malignant neoplasms, for repair of frontobasal-midfacial fractures, and for repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

METHODS

Patient records were retrospectively reviewed, with special focus on surgical technique, early outcome, and complications.

RESULTS

Nineteen of the patients were operated on because of combined fronto-naso-orbital and skull base fractures, 37 were tumour cases, and 3 patients required surgical repair for cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Significant complications consisted of two cases of meningitis. However, they were successfully treated with antibiotics. The most common late complaint was olfactory nerve dysfunction (44), other late complications such as diplopia (4), enophthalmos (2), scar tissue in the nasal cavity (2), and trigeminal nerve dysfunction (2) were also encountered.

CONCLUSION

The subcranial approach affords exposure to the orbital, sphenoethmoidal, and clivus regions, as well as to the nasal and paranasal cavities. On the basis of this review, it is concluded that it is a safe and effective approach for treating lesions involving the anterior skull base.

Post-traumatic pseudomeningocele presenting as a cyst of external auditory canal: Report of a case

Pseudomeningoceles are formed by extravasation of cerebrospinal fluid through a dural defect into soft tissue. They mostly form as a result of surgical trauma to the dural covering of the lumbar or cervical spine surgery, especially during laminectomy. Howerver, post-traumatic pseudomeningocele rarely occurs in the head and neck. A 32-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of right ear fullness following head trauma. A soft, non-pulsatile and cystic mass was noted in the right external auditory canal. The MRI scan demonstrated the connection between subarachnoid space and cyst of the right external auditory canal. The right ear was explored and mastoid antrum was partially filled with a cyst connected to the dural defect. The extradural portion of the mass was removed, the dural defect was repaired with a temporalis fascia-cartilage graft. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and surgical approaches for post-traumatic pseudomeningocele arising in the head and neck region are briefly discussed.

Postmeningitis subdural fluid collection in infants: changing pattern and indications for surgery

OBJECT

Postmeningitis subdural fluid collection (PMSFC) is a classic complication of bacterial meningitis in infants. When the diagnosis was based solely on subdural puncture (SDP), its incidence was estimated to be as high as one half of the cases of meningitis, with Haemophilus influenzae as the most common causative bacterium. Knowledge concerning the diagnostic and bacteriological characteristics of PMSFC has expanded greatly since the introduction of computerized imaging and the use of the anti-H. influenzae vaccine; however, in no recent study have the authors reappraised this clinical entity with regard to diagnosis, bacteriology, and indications for surgery.

METHODS

The authors reviewed their cases of PMSFC in infants in which a diagnosis was made based on computerized tomography findings and confirmed with SDP. They treated PMSFC using placement of a subdural drain whenever the collection was either clinically eloquent or exerted a mass effect on the brain. In the 26 years preceding the study, the authors had treated 29 patients younger than 16 months of age for PMSFC. Eight patients required SDP only, 20 underwent surgical drainage, and five required craniotomy. In six cases, the fluid was grossly purulent; in the others, it was clear, xanthochromatic, or hemorrhagic. Cultures were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae in only two cases. Although H. influenzae was the most common bacterium at the beginning of the series, Neisseria meningitidis has become more prevalent since vaccination against the former became widespread. Based on their data the authors estimate that 5% of N. meningitidis infections in infants are complicated by a significant PMSFC.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, PMSFCs are most often caused by N. meningitidis. Temporary surgical drain placement is advised for all cases in which a significant mass effect is apparent on imaging.

Surgical anatomy of dural defects in spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is typically caused by a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The configuration of the related dural defects can be complex. We describe our experience with the surgical anatomy of these defects.

METHODS

Thirteen consecutive patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks who underwent surgical exploration at Mayo Clinic between 1994 and 2003 were studied. All patients' records, imaging studies, detailed intraoperative findings, and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were four men and nine women with an average age of 40 years (range, 12-62 yr). Preoperative imaging studies revealed a single site of CSF leak in eight patients, two sites in three patients, and multiple sites in two patients. Intraoperatively, the exact site of leakage could not be found in four patients. Among the other nine patients, primary closure of a meningeal diverticulum was achieved in one patient. Significant regional attenuation of the dura prevented primary repair of the leak site in eight patients. Muscle, fibrin glue, and Gelfoam (Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, MI) soaked in patient's own blood were commonly used to pack the epidural space in an attempt to seal the site of the leak. Ligation of two nonappendicular nerve roots allowed closure of the leak in one of these patients. Postoperatively, resolution of symptoms occurred in eight patients, significant improvement was noted in three patients, and only transient resolution in two. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.5 months.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for closure of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks may not be straightforward. Even when extradural CSF leakage is discovered preoperatively by imaging studies, it may not always be possible to identify the exact site of the leakage intraoperatively. Furthermore, the anatomy of the dural defects may be complex and not amenable to primary closure. In such cases, the use of adjuvant techniques during surgical exploration may be effective.

Facial nerve palsy-an unusual complication after evacuation of a subdural haematoma or hygroma in children

OBJECTIVE

This paper reports and discusses on the possible etiology of postoperative contralateral facial nerve palsy after uneventful evacuation of a subdural haematoma or hygroma after mild head trauma in two children with pre-existing middle cranial fossa subarachnoid cysts.

RESULTS

Two 14- and 15-year-old boys had prolonged headaches after mild head injuries. CT showed a right-sided middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst in each patient. In one patient, an ipsilateral subdural haematoma was identified, and in the other, bilateral hygromas were identified. Exacerbation of symptoms required emergency evacuation of the subdural haematoma in the first child, and bilateral external drainage of the hygroma in the other child. In both children the late postoperative period was complicated by peripheral facial nerve palsies contralateral to the arachnoid cyst.

CONCLUSION

Facial nerve palsy may be a complication of hygroma or haematoma drainage. The etiology is not clear; traction of the facial nerve due to displacement of the brainstem may be the most likely explanation.

Giant Eccrine Adenocarcinoma of the Scalp with Intracranial Invasion:Resection and Reconstruction Using a Vacuum-assisted Closure Device:Technical Case Report

Objective and Importance:

Carcinoma of the adnexal structures of the skin is a rare malignancy, and is even more unusual in the scalp. We report an unusual case of scalp adnexal carcinoma of eccrine origin that went untreated for years, resulting in a giant tumor with extension through the cranium. The tumor resection and reconstruction of the cranium and scalp defects posed unique challenges.

Clinical Presentation:

A 54-year-old woman experienced a large recurrence of her scalp adnexal carcinoma after an incomplete wide local excision, which invaded through the cranium.

Intervention:

The entire vertex of the scalp and cranium were removed en bloc. After cranioplasty, a free vascularized muscle flap was used for soft tissue coverage, but failed owing to poor vascular inflow. A large area of dura was left open, using a vacuum-assisted wound closure device to generate granulation tissue by secondary intention. Another split thickness skin graft was used to provide a cosmetically acceptable outcome.

Conclusion:

Scalp adnexal tumors of eccrine origin rarely metastasize and can be resected for cure with complete removal. Reconstruction options for large scalp and cranial tumors may be limited, and allowing the dura to granulate by secondary intention has been very rarely described. The novel use of a vacuum-assisted wound closure device was a very useful adjunct in this situation, and may be beneficial in the reconstruction of other patients with large scalp and cranial defects after neurosurgical procedures. It should be used with caution, since it may risk injury to a major venous sinus, especially when used in the midline, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

A case of Sotos syndrome with subduroperitoneal shunt

The authors present a case of Sotos syndrome with increasing severity of subdural hygroma from the age of 5 months, which was managed with a subduroperitoneal shunt at 10 months of age. The patient had been followed up until 30 months of age with continuing improvement of symptoms. The patient initially presented with dolichocephaly accompanied by macrocrania, early tooth development, repeated pneumonia infections and developmental retardation concerning crawling, sitting, walking and speaking at 5 months of age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated partial hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and bifrontal subdural hygroma. The patient underwent subduroperitoneal shunting at 10 months of age with partial improvement of symptoms. At 18 months of age, the patient showed increased irritability and sweating, and development of spinal kyphosis, which resulted from shunt malfunction as shown in the shuntogram. The appearance of cervical syringomyelia was also seen in the MRI. After shunt revision, the irritability, sweating and kyphosis improved along with disappearance of the syringomyelia. The authors describe a case of Sotos syndrome with subduroperitoneal shunt that showed syringomyelia which developed with shunt malfunction but disappeared after shunt revision. We emphasize the importance of active management such as subduroperitoneal shunting to drain the cerebrospinal fluid in the Sotos syndrome.

Surgical treatment outcomes in subdural effusion: a clinical study

OBJECTIVE

In this study, patients who underwent surgery due to subdural effusion were retrospectively analyzed. The location, depth and etiology of the subdural effusion, the surgical approach that was used and the recurrence rates were studied in these patients.

METHOD

A total of 32 patients who were followed up and treated for subdural effusion at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the Yüzüncü Yil University School of Medicine were included in the study; 18 (56%) of the patients were male and 14 (44%) were female. The surgical techniques applied were surgical burr hole drainage, repeated subdural transaxial puncture and subduroperitoneal shunt approaches. The patients were evaluated by computerized tomography of the brain in week 1 and in the third month after surgery. Recurrences were evaluated based on radiological findings and the clinical condition of the patients.

RESULT

The consciousness level of the patients was proportional to the mass effect of the subdural effusion. Lower recurrence rates were found in patients with a large midline shift resulting from the subdural effusion. In addition, recurrence rates were higher in patients with cerebral atrophy and lower protein content in the subdural effusion fluid. It was observed that these patients responded better to the subduroperitoneal shunt treatment.

Time sparing and effective procedure for dural closure in the posterior fossa using a vicryl mesh (Ethisorb®)

INTRODUCTION

Dural defects and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a common problem following posterior fossa surgery. The management includes either nonoperative management (e.g. external lumbar drainage) or surgical re-exploration.

OBJECTIVES

We present our surgical, clinical and histopathological experience of dural closure in the posterior fossa. In order to avoid CSF leaks we developed a simple but effective and time-sparing method using a well-cut sheet of a vicryl-poly-pdioxanone mesh (Ethisorb) covering the whole defect of the craniectomy. Additional fibrin glue or sealant is not necessary. Special attention was focused upon the frequency of postoperative complications, in particular infection rate and CSF leaks.

PATIENTS

85 patients were treated with vicryl mesh as dural substitute after posterior fossa surgery due to distinct pathologies. An illustrative case is presented. RESULTS. In none of the patients a postoperative infection was observed. Four patients presented postoperative CSF leakage and were treated by percutaneous lumbar drainage. Three of the patients improved completely, requiring no additional treatment. Only in one case defect covered by a vicryl mesh, a surgical reexploration became necessary.

CONCLUSION

We consider the vicryl mesh (Ethisorb) as an ideal dural substitute especially for the dural closure of the posterior fossa.

Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography of the internal carotid artery for preoperative evaluation of sinonasal lesions and intraoperative surgical navigation

INTRODUCTION

Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3DCTA) demonstrates the spatial relationships of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and adjacent skull base. This imaging modality may be incorporated into intraoperative surgical navigation during endoscopic skull base surgery.

METHODS

The charts of patients who had undergone 3DCTA imaging between July 2002 and February 2005 were reviewed. For 3DCTA, 1 mm axial computed tomography (CT) scan images were obtained with simultaneous intravenous contrast bolus on a multidetector CT scanner (Somatom Sensation 16, Siemens, Munich, Germany). The CBYON Suite version 2.6 to 2.8 (Med-Surgical Services, Mountain View, CA) was also used for creating CTA images through its volume-rendering protocols.

RESULTS

A total of 22 3DCTA studies were performed for diagnostic evaluation or preoperative planning. In 18 instances, the 3DCTA images were used during intraoperative surgical navigation. The specific indications for obtaining the 3DCTA study included neoplasm (11 cases), cerebrospinal fluid leak (3 cases), fibro-osseous lesion (2 cases), mucocele (2 cases), and other (4 cases). Images generated by 3DCTA facilitated the definition of the anatomic relationships between the ICA and skull base lesion. During intraoperative surgical navigation, the 3DCTA provided critical information about the ICA location and adjacent skull base anatomy in the operative field.

CONCLUSIONS

3DCTA is a useful means for assessing the ICA and its relationship to skull base lesions. Incorporation of 3DCTA into intraoperative surgical navigation facilitates the comprehension of operative field anatomy in the ICA region. As a result, this imaging technique, especially when combined with intraoperative surgical navigation, may extend the applications of minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to the skull base.

Contralateral subdural effusion after aneurysm surgery and decompressive craniectomy: case report and review of the literature

We report a complication of decompressive craniectomy in the treatment of aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and accompanying middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. A 56-year-old man presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and right sylvian hematoma. He was diagnosed with high-grade SAH and medical therapy was employed. He showed rapid clinical deterioration on day 9 of his admission. Computed tomographic scans showed right MCA infarction and prominent midline shift. Because of the patient's rapidly worsening condition, further evaluation to find origin of SAH could not be obtained, and decompressive right hemicraniectomy was performed. During sylvian dissection, right middle cerebral and posterior communicant artery aneurysms were detected and clipped. One week after operation, a contralateral frontoparietal subdural effusion and left to right midline shift was detected and drained through a burr-hole. Through successive percutaneous aspirations, effusion recurred and complete resolution was achieved after cranioplasty and subduroperitoneal shunt procedures. Decompressive craniectomy is generally accepted as a technically simple operation with a low incidence of complications. In the light of this current case, we hypothesize that a large craniectomy may facilitate the accumulation of recurrent effusion on contralateral side creating a resistance gradient between two hemispheres. This point may be especially true for subarachnoid hemorrhage cases requiring aneurysm surgery. We conclusively suggest that subdural effusions may be resistant to simple drainage techniques if a large contralateral craniectomy does exist, and early cranioplasty may be required for treatment in addition to drainage procedures.

Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage after a Spinal Surgery Complicated by Dural Tear: Case Report and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

This report presents a case in which cerebellar hemorrhage occurred after lumbar decompression surgery that was complicated by dural tear and prolonged cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after spinal surgery is extremely rare. Our objective is to describe this unusual complication, discuss the possible mechanisms of remote cerebellar hemorrhage, and review the literature.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 73-year-old woman underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. A dural tear occurred during decompression, and the patient developed remote cerebellar hemorrhage on postoperative Day 2.

INTERVENTION:

The cerebellar hemorrhage was treated surgically, and a biopsy of hemorrhagic brain parenchyma revealed an arteriovenous malformation.

CONCLUSION:

Although it is an extremely rare complication, remote cerebellar hemorrhage should be kept in mind as a possible complication of spinal surgery, especially in operations complicated by dural tears.

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage complicating skull base fractures: analysis of 81 cases

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of conservative and surgical management options for traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage complicating skull base fractures. The subjects were 81 patients who were treated between 1996 and 2003 for CSF leaks that had persisted for 24 h or longer after head injury. For each case the medical records were reviewed, and the data collected were as follows: demographic features, clinical and radiological findings, management options, complications and outcome scores. Analysis was done with patients grouped according to Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission (<or=8 vs >8), and findings for three treatment methods (conservative, CSF drainage, surgery) were evaluated. In 32 cases (39.5%), the CSF leakage resolved spontaneously, and the mean hospital stay for these patients was 14+/-11 days. Twenty-four patients (29.6%) were treated by CSF drainage, and seven of these individuals ultimately required surgery to close the leak. Hospital stay was 17+/-7 days. Twenty-five patients (30.9%) underwent surgery as the initial treatment step, and the mean hospital stay for these individuals was 15+/-9 days. The large majority (74.2%) of patients with admission GCS scores <or=8 had poor outcomes. Compared with this group, a greater proportion of the CSF leaks in the patients with admission GCS scores >8 resolved spontaneously. The factors that had a critical influence on outcome in this series were level of consciousness on admission and presence of additional intracranial pathology associated with CSF leakage within cases of traumatic CSF fistulae due to skull base fractures. Treatment decisions should be dictated by the severity of neurological decline during the emergency period and the presence/absence of associated intracranial lesions. The timing for surgery and CSF drainage procedures must be decided with great care and with a clear strategy. The authors offer a treatment algorithm.

Removal of subdural-peritoneal shunts in infants

INTRODUCTION

A common method of treating subdural collections is the insertion of a unilateral subdural-peritoneal shunt. In most cases, the shunt can be removed a few months later, but there is the anxiety that removal could cause complications and some surgeons elect to leave the shunts permanently implanted, on the understanding that they are not causing problems. A retrospective review was performed of patients who had their subdural shunts removed after CT evidence of resolution of the collections, with the intention of assessing the possible risks and benefits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 19 patients who had insertion of a subdural shunt for infantile subdural collections by a single surgeon between 1999 and 2003, 14 were eligible for removal of the shunt and 13 had the shunt removed, while in 1 patient the parents refused the option of removal. Mean age at shunt insertion was 9.1 months (range 1.5-25.4 months). The mean shunt implantation time was 5 months (range 0.5-11 months). The mean follow-up period was 30.3 months (range 1-59 months).

RESULTS

All shunts were removed successfully without complications. There was difficulty in removing the shunt in one case (implantation time 10 months) because of migration of the shunt, requiring extension of the incision and a small craniectomy. None of the patients required re-insertion of the shunt.

CONCLUSION

Subdural shunts can be removed safely, but it is advisable to perform such an operation during the first 6 months after insertion to avoid undue operative difficulties.

Early epidural blood patch in spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Thirty patients with a typical orthostatic headache were treated by early lumbar epidural blood patch (EBP) without previously performing lumbar puncture or identifying a CSF leak and with or without typical MRI changes. A complete cure was obtained in 77% of patients after one (57%) or two (20%) EBPs. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension with typical orthostatic headache can be diagnosed without lumbar puncture and can be cured by early EBP in a majority of patients.

Endoscopic treatment of encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus

OBJECTIVE

The suitability of the endoscopic approach for the treatment of an encephalocele of the lateral wall of the sphenoid is discussed. This is a retrospective review of 4 cases diagnosed with temporosphenoidal encephalocele and having a history of CSF leak who were surgically treated using an endoscopic endonasal approach between January 2001 and June 2002 at the Department of Otolaryngology of Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital and the Department of Neurosurgery at Bellaria Hospital in Bologna.

METHODS

Three patients were female between 48 and 73 years of age (mean: 61 years). All patients had suffered from a CSF leak for 5 months to 18 years. None of the patients had a past medical history of head trauma. A fourth patient had undergone a previous microscopic approach for a previously misdiagnosed CSF leak wrongly ascribed to an empty sella. Three patients underwent an ethmoid-pterygo-sphenoidal endoscopic approach (EPSEA), while the patient who had undergone previous microscopic surgery, was treated using a transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic approach.

RESULTS

The follow-up of the patients ranged from 10 to 26 months (mean: 18 months) and no case of a recurrent CSF leak was observed postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our report, the endoscopic approach was a useful tool for the treatment of encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus. In skilled hands, this technique permits both the resection of the encephalocele and the subsequent reconstruction of the defect also with a low rate of morbidity.

Organic bipolar disorder occurring together with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is known to cause postural headache, often combined with auditory, and vestibular symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and diplopia. We report a 63-year-old male patient who for the first time developed a depressive episode followed by acute manic symptoms during the course of SIH, both relieved after treatment of the underlying organic disturbance.

Delayed persistent hyperthermia after resection of a craniopharyngioma

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Disorders of thermoregulation are occasionally noticed after operations in the region of the third ventricle. Various factors are usually implicated, but the actual contribution of each of them is rather vague. Apart from the presumed derangement in the functional connections of the hypothalamic region, mechanical reasons of compression should be thoroughly considered.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

An 8.5-year-old patient was subjected to a radical excision of a craniopharyngioma compressing the third ventricle. Three months after the operation, he presented with a febrile syndrome of unknown origin. All usual investigations proved negative.

INTERVENTION

A chronic subdural hygroma was evacuated, an encapsulated CSF cyst of the suprachiasmatic cistern was drained and the lamina terminalis incised resulting in a moderate control of pyrexia. The administration of chlorpromazine contributed to the final resolution of hyperthermia.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative hyperthermia may result following resection of tumors of the hypothalamic floor. It should not be blindly attributed to hypothalamic dysfunction as surgical causes could be implicated as well. Chlorpromazine could be a useful adjunct to the correction of the disorder.

Serial positron emission tomography findings in a patient with hydrocephalic dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Comorbidity of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not uncommon. However, few studies have reported the clinical courses of these patients in depth. A 73-year-old woman was confirmed to have AD by a biopsy performed during a shunt operation for NPH after a head trauma. She was followed for 4 years using serial neuropsychological tests and positron emission tomography (PET). Her clinical symptoms remained improved for 2.5 years and then declined. The 1-year minus the presurgical PET scan highlighted the bilateral frontal area, basal ganglia, and thalamus, which may reflect brain regions associated with the improvement of hydrocephalic dementia. On the other hand, the 1-year minus the 4-year scan highlighted the bilateral temporoparietal area and the posterior cingulate gyrus, which may reflect brain regions associated with the aggravation of AD. This subtraction method may be useful for monitoring the clinical course in patients with NPH and AD.

Surgical Timing in Orbital Fracture Treatment: Experience with 108 Consecutive Cases

Orbital fractures can lead to esthetic deformities and functional impairments, and adequate surgical timing is considered important in obtaining good results from surgery. By means of chart review, a retrospective analysis was carried out in 108 consecutive cases of pure orbital fractures to investigate the differences in surgical timing and the correlations with patient age and clinical and radiographic findings. In this analysis, surgical timing of pure orbital fractures was strongly related to the combination of parameters such as anatomical location of the fracture, eventual exposure of the fracture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage or penetrating wounds, age of patients, eventual functional impairments or muscle entrapment, and serious conditions of compression or ischemia. As the data confirmed, an urgent approach was considered indispensable in severe orbital apex fractures and in orbital fractures with CSF leakage, penetrating objects, or exposure. Early surgery was necessary within 3 days in children with diplopia (type IIIb) and mainly within 7 days in adults with double vision (type IIIa). Delayed surgery, within 12 days in all cases, was performed orbital wall fractures with no impairments (type II) or in orbital rim fractures (type I). Data from this retrospective analysis confirm the need for an aggressive approach to all orbital fractures. In our experience, surgery was performed within 12 days and most orbital fractures were treated during the first week after trauma, which is earlier than previously reported.

Endosurgical procedures for pediatric solid tumors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages and complications of endosurgical procedures for benign and malignant pediatric solid tumors. Endosurgical techniques of biopsy and excision were used for diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors, respectively. Since July 1997, a total of 24 biopsies and 24 excisions have been performed laparoscopically for neuroblastoma ( n=24), ovarian solid tumors ( n=10) and other tumors. Seventeen biopsies and six excisions were performed for abdominal neuroblastoma, while ten excisions were performed for ovarian tumor. In these patients, the length of the operation, blood loss, time to start postoperative feeding, time to start postoperative chemotherapy and length of hospital stay were evaluated and compared to the those of the open surgery group. Furthermore, intra- and postoperative complications were analyzed in all patients of both groups. The length of the hospital stay and time to start postoperative feeding were significantly shorter in the group of patients who underwent endosurgical procedures for either abdominal neuroblastoma or ovarian tumor when compared to the open procedure group. The time to start postoperative chemotherapy was shorter only in the abdominal neuroblastoma group. The procedure for two patients undergoing endosurgical tumor excision had to be converted to open surgery due to large tumor size. Two weeks after thoracoscopic excision of a dumb bell-type neurofibroma, one patient underwent open repair of the dura mater because of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. There were no port-site recurrences in any tumor types. Endosurgical procedures for solid tumors are effective and minimally invasive. However, better indicators are needed for their implementation in order to prevent complications and subsequent conversions to open procedures.

Spinal pseudomeningoceles and cerebrospinal fluid fistulas

Spinal pseudomeningoceles and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are rare extradural collections of CSF that result following a breach in the dural-arachnoid layer. They may occur due to an incidental durotomy, during intradural surgery, or from trauma or congenital abnormality. The majority are iatrogenic and occur in the posterior lumbar region following surgery. Although they are often asymptomatic, they may cause low-back pain, headaches, and even nerve root entrapment. Leakage of CSF from the wound may cause a fistulous tract, which is a conduit for infection and should be repaired immediately. Diagnosis can be confirmed on clinical examination or imaging studies including magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography myelography, and radionuclide myelography. Treatment must be specific to each patient because the timing, size, symptoms, and location of the dural breach all affect the choice of therapy. Nonsurgical methods may be used, but more frequently operative repair is required. In this article, the authors review the diagnosis and treatment of spinal pseudomeningoceles and CSF fistulas.

[Anesthesia-related and surgical problems in day neurosurgery in children]

Problems resulted from necessity of securing safety for 4500 children with intracranial congenital hydrocephalus and subdural hygromas diagnosed and operated in one-day neurosurgery terms.

Recurrent Spontaneous Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Associated with “Nude Nerve Root” Syndrome: Case Report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks have been noted occasionally at multiple sites in the same patient, but recurrent spontaneous spinal CSF leaks have not been documented. We describe a patient with a recurrent CSF leak who was found at surgery to have an absence of the entire nerve root sleeve at multiple thoracic levels.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 29-year-old woman bodybuilder noted an excruciating orthostatic headache associated with nausea. The neurological examination was unremarkable, and a magnetic resonance imaging examination showed the typical changes of intracranial hypotension. Computed tomographic myelography showed an extensive bilateral lower cervical CSF leak.

INTERVENTION

The patient underwent bilateral lower cervical nerve root explorations, and several small dural holes were found. The CSF leaks were repaired, but 3 months later, computed tomographic myelography showed a new CSF leak in the midthoracic area. A thoracic laminectomy was performed, and several nerve roots were found to be completely devoid of dura. After the CSF leaks were repaired, there was significant improvement in her headaches.

CONCLUSION

A recurrent spontaneous spinal CSF leak may occur in patients with intracranial hypotension at a site previously documented not to be associated with a CSF leak. Absent nerve root sleeves may be found in patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks (“nude nerve root” syndrome), and these patients may be at increased risk of developing a recurrent CSF leak.

[A case presenting with hydrocephalus and posterior fossa subdural effusion]

We report a case of hydrocephalus due to posterior cranial fossa subdural effusion. The patient was a 4-year-old boy, presenting headache and nausea, with a medical history of viral meningitis 2 months before. Cerebrospinal fluid provided no evidence of infection, and symptoms caused by increased intracranial pressure gradually deteriorated, although glycerol infusion was effective temporarily. Computed tomography revealed marked ventriculomegaly with subdural effusion in the right posterior cranial fossa. The subarachnoid space in the posterior fossa was very tight, and the cerebellum and brain stem were compressed anteriorly. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated stenosis of the aqueduct and foramens of Luschka and Magendie. The cerebeller tonsil was dislocated inferiorly, indicating impending herniation, so an emergency operation was performed. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was undertaken after implantation of an Ommaya reservoir for the posterior fossa subdural effusion. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and the symptoms were improved. Although hydrocephalus and subdural effusion following viral meningitis is rare, neuroimaging studies such as CT and MRI should be examined when a young child suffers from symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.