British journal of neurosurgery
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Lateral ventricular meningiomas are rare tumours that pose considerable surgical challenge. This study attempts to analyse some of the important clinical features of these tumours and review technical considerations in surgery for lateral ventricular meningiomas. A retrospective analysis of the case records of patients with lateral ventricular meningiomas operated in our institute since 1998 with a minimum of one year follow up was done. ⋯ At last follow-up for 10 patients were in GOS 5, two were in GOS 4 and three in GOS 3. Lateral ventricular meningiomas are difficult tumours to operate. Total surgical excision through a superior parietal lobule or middle temporal gyrus approach is possible in most cases with minimal morbidity.
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Various transpetrosal approaches have been described for excision of lesions extending into both the middle fossa and the upper petroclival region. These approaches may be associated with significant morbidity. Six patients with lesions along the medial part of the middle fossa and the upper petroclival region were operated by the trans-sylvian transtentorial approach. ⋯ All patients improved clinically after the surgery. There was no procedure related morbidity. The transsylvian transtentorial approach provides adequate access to upper petroclival lesions allowing the tumours in this region to be removed without the need for a petrosal resection.
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Decompressive Craniectomy (DC) continues to be widely practiced but remains controversial. The procedure has its origins thousands of years ago, with early trepanation performed for a range of medical and religious reasons. We summarize the history, techniques, complications and pathophysiology and then explore in detail the recent evidence base for the most common indications for DC; Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Cerebral infarction. ⋯ Outcomes of ongoing randomized trials in TBI are awaited with interest but the trend in the nonrandomized literature suggests timely intervention reduces mortality with acceptable morbidity. Level 1 evidence for early DC in young patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction has arrived and has implications for neurosurgical practice and rehabilitation services. Current European and North American practice recommends the judicious use of DC in traumatic brain injury and malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in select patients.
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Neurosurgical registrars are frequently called upon by A&E staff and physicians to interpret emergency head CT (computed tomography) scans out of hours. This appears to reflect the reduced threshold for scanning patients and the nonavailability of a radiologist to report these scans. This study was undertaken to assess the safety of such practices. ⋯ Neurosurgical registrars compared well with radiologists when it came to assessing emergency head CT scans as normal or detecting a surgical lesion. The agreement was poorer on subtle abnormalities. The practice of neurosurgical registrars informally 'reporting' on emergency head CT scans cannot be recommended.
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Case Reports
Management of associated glioma and arteriovenous malformation--the priority is the glioma.
The conjunction of a glioma with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is exceptionally rare. We report the case of a malignant pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma located on the vicinity of an untreated AVM that was removed without interference with the AVM. The question posed by such concurrent lesions is which to manage first. It appears more logical to treat the tumour first because of the elevated incidence of associated high-grade gliomas.