British journal of neurosurgery
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Cavernomas constitute 5-10% of all the vascular malformations of the CNS. They commonly present during the 2nd and 5th decades of life. ⋯ These cavernomas appear to have the ability to grow very rapidly, resulting in significant morbidity. It is not known whether waiting after acute hemorrhage from an intraventricular cavernoma improves our ability to remove the lesion safely or if waiting unnecessarily increases the risk of hydrocephalus, additional bleeding, or further lesion growth.
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Observational Study
Seven years of cranioplasty in a regional neurosurgical centre.
In recent years craniectomy has been widely used in the management of traumatic brain injury and ischaemic stroke. The objective of this study was to evaluate the indications, techniques and outcomes for patients undergoing cranioplasty over a recent 7-year period in a geographically distinct population. ⋯ Cranioplasty is often considered as a low-risk procedure following craniectomy. In our cohort, a 20% risk of major complications, including death, was identified. These findings contribute to the literature, emphasising that cranioplasty is a high-risk procedure. Whilst compelling reasons may guide the undertaking of craniectomy, it is essential that consideration is given to the significant subsequent risks of cranioplasty.
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Review Case Reports
Acute intracranial hematoma formation following excision of a cervical subdural tumor: a report of two cases and literature review.
An intracranial hematoma is a rare, yet significant, complication following spinal surgery. The authors describe two cases with acute intracranial hematoma formation after excision of a cervical subdural schwannoma. One was a 14-year-old girl who developed bilateral intracranial extradural hematomas immediately following excision of the C4 subdural schwannoma. ⋯ A CT or MRI should be immediately investigated to exclude intracranial hematomas for any patient with delayed emergence from anesthesia following spinal surgery. Hematoma evacuation is indispensable once an intracranial hematoma is identified in the patient who fails to regain consciousness from anesthesia post surgery. Furthermore, the possible pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the formation of an intracranial hematoma after spinal procedures, particularly after manipulations of a cervical subdural tumor, are discussed.