Neurosurgery
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Review Case Reports
Ectopic recurrence of craniopharyngioma after an interhemispheric transcallosal approach: case report.
Ectopic recurrence of a craniopharyngioma is a rare postoperative complication. We present a case of a craniopharyngioma that ectopically recurred along the tract of a previous surgical route. ⋯ To our knowledge, only eight previous case reports described the ectopic recurrence of a craniopharyngioma. Transplantation of tumor cells along the tract of a previous surgical route in six cases and dissemination in cerebrospinal fluid in two cases are presumed to be the primary mechanisms by which these ectopic recurrences occurred. The results of our literature review led us to conclude that total surgical resection, combined with careful inspection and irrigation of the surgical field, is the optimal treatment for preventing ectopic recurrences. Furthermore, it is recommended that, after primary craniopharyngioma resection, patients undergo long-term clinical and radiological follow-up monitoring for the rare development of an ectopically recurring tumor.
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⋯ Thoracic elevation or an occipital recess to prevent flexion of the head and neck when restrained supine on an otherwise flat backboard may allow for better neutral alignment and immobilization of the cervical spine in children younger than 8 years because of the relatively large head in these younger children and is recommended. Closed reduction and halo immobilization for injuries of the C2 synchondrosis between the body and odontoid is recommended in children younger than 7 years. Consideration of primary operative therapy is recommended for isolated ligamentous injuries of the cervical spine with associated deformity.
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Prophylactic treatment of thromboembolism in patients with severe motor deficits due to spinal cord injury is recommended. The use of low-molecular-weight heparins, rotating beds, adjusted dose heparin, or a combination of modalities is recommended as a prophylactic treatment strategy. Low-dose heparin in combination with pneumatic compression stockings or electrical stimulation is recommended as a prophylactic treatment strategy. ⋯ Duplex Doppler ultrasound, impedance plethysmography, and venography are recommended for use as diagnostic tests for deep venous thrombosis in the spinal cord-injured patient population. A 3-month duration of prophylactic treatment for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is recommended. Vena cava filters are recommended for patients who do not respond to anticoagulation or who are not candidates for anticoagulation therapy and/or mechanical devices.
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Radiographic assessment of the cervical spine is not recommended in trauma patients who are awake, alert, and not intoxicated, who are without neck pain or tenderness, and who do not have significant associated injuries that detract from their general evaluation.
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There is insufficient evidence to support treatment standards. ⋯ Hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg) should be avoided if possible or corrected as soon as possible after acute spinal cord injury. Maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure at 85 to 90 mmHg for the first 7 days after acute spinal cord injury to improve spinal cord perfusion is recommended.