Pediatric neurosurgery
-
Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2009
Case ReportsSignificant pediatric morbidity and mortality from intracranial ballistic injuries caused by nonpowder gunshot wounds. A case series.
Nonpowder (ball-bearing and pellet) weapons derive their source of energy from compressed air or carbon dioxide. Such weapons are dangerous toys that cause serious injuries and even death to children and adolescents. A retrospective chart review study was undertaken to describe nonpowder gun injuries at a southwestern US urban level I adult and pediatric trauma center. ⋯ Injuries to the brain, eye, head, and neck were the most common sites of injury (65.6%). Specific intracranial injuries in 3 pediatric patients are described that resulted in the death of 2 children. We suggest that age warning should be adjusted to 18 years or older for unsupervised use to be considered safe of these potentially lethal weapons.
-
Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2009
Conservative management of acute epidural hematoma in a pediatric age group.
Craniotomy and evacuation is the standard treatment of acute epidural hematoma (EDH). Here, the authors report their experience in nonoperative management of acute EDH in children with mild head injury. ⋯ Our results demonstrated that pediatric EDH can be managed nonoperatively. The pronounced increase in the number of CT examinations for patients with head injuries has resulted in a greater proportion of EDH detected in conscious patients. We recommend such treatment be performed in specialized pediatric neurosurgical centers under close neurological observation.
-
Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2009
Review Case ReportsSynchronous ventriculoscopic and microsurgical resection of complex craniopharyngiomas.
Surgical resection of craniopharyngiomas may be challenging sometimes because of the size, location and tenacity. Simultaneous endoscopic and microsurgical resection is a novel way to approach such lesions. The aim of this report is to discuss the usefulness of combined endoscopic and microsurgical approaches in treating complex craniopharyngiomas along with a review of the literature. ⋯ Neuroendoscopy can complement microsurgery in approaching complex craniopharyngiomas particularly when these tumors are large and accompanied by hydrocephalus.
-
Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2009
Comparative StudyCavernous malformations of the central nervous system in the pediatric age group.
The main clinico-diagnostic features, risk factors and associated diseases of cavernous malformations (CMs), also called cavernous angiomas or cavernomas, of the central nervous system (CNS) in children are described, and the most relevant differences compared to the affected adult population are pointed out, focusing on the management of pediatric patients harboring cranial and spinal CMs. ⋯ CMs represent the most common CNS vascular lesion in children, although their incidence is 4 times lower than that of the adult population. The natural history of pediatric CMs throughout the neuraxis seems to be more aggressive than in adult patients; these lesions have higher rates of growth and hemorrhage, larger dimensions and often atypical radiological pictures at diagnosis. Beside the familial form of the disease, which is more often associated with multiple lesions and an earlier age of clinical presentation, the major risk factor for CMs in children seems to be radiotherapy for CNS tumors. Furthermore, a greater number of CMs coexistent with mixed angiomatous lesions have been reported in children than in adults. Surgical results are related to the preoperative neurological status of the children; symptomatic patients who are operated on early, before they develop severe neurological deficits or long-standing seizures, may achieve the best clinical outcome. Radiosurgery does not seem to be advisable in children as an alternative treatment for deep CMs or those causing epilepsy.
-
Cavernous hemangiomas are benign vascular hamartomas caused by developmental malformations of the vascular bed. They can be found in 0.3-0.7% of the population, whereas one fourth of these lesions occur in children. ⋯ With the improvement of microsurgical techniques and modern neuroimaging, nearly all cavernomas can be safely removed. Total resection is associated with patients' clinical improvement and seizure control.