Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
-
Neuroectodermal tumors in general demonstrate high and dense expression of the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst₂). It controls proliferation of both normal and neoplastic cells. sst₂ has thus been suggested as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker for certain malignancies. ⋯ sst₂ is highly expressed in medulloblastoma and deserves further evaluation in the setting of prospective trials, given its potential utility as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target.
-
The posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) techniques are commonly used surgical methods for wide indications such as degeneration or trauma. Although they are rarely required for lumbar disk disease in younger patients, there are a few children and adolescents who are indicated for PLIF or TLIF for other reasons, such as congenital severe stenosis with or without lumbar instability that requires wide decompression or severe bony spur that need to be removed. In such cases, different pathophysiology and outcomes are expected compared with adult patients. ⋯ For adolescent patients with severe bony spur, massive central disk rupture, or severe spondylolisthesis, lumbar interbody fusion surgery has good surgical outcome with few complications.
-
We report a case of 4-year-old boy patient, who developed after a streptococcal pharyngitis a painful, pulsatile, and growing right-sided mass in the neck. Imaging studies revealed an extracranial right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient was successfully treated with stent-graft deployment. After 18 months of follow-up, the pseudoaneurysm is excluded from the circulation, the carotid artery is patent, and the patient is free from any neurological deficit. ⋯ Covered stents might be considered as a valid therapeutic option to treat carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.
-
Virtual reality simulation is a promising alternative to training surgical residents outside the operating room. It is also a useful aide to anatomic study, residency training, surgical rehearsal, credentialing, and recertification. ⋯ Virtual simulators with realistic graphics and force feedback have been developed for ventriculostomy, intraventricular surgery, and transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, thus allowing preoperative study of the individual anatomy and increasing the safety of the procedure. The authors also present experiences with their own virtual simulation of endoscopic third ventriculostomy.