Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
-
Extra-axial fluid collections following decompressive craniectomy have been observed in a variety of patient populations. These collections have traditionally been thought to represent extra-axial signs of hydrocephalus, but they often occur even in settings where hydrocephalus has been optimally treated. This study aims to elucidate the phenomenon of extra-axial fluid collections after decompressive craniectomy in patients with treated hydrocephalus, in order to improve identification, classification, prevention and treatment. ⋯ In these patients, the term "external hydrocephalus" does not appropriately capture the relevant pathophysiology. Instead, we define a new phenomenon, "Craniectomy-associated Progressive Extra-Axial Collections with Treated Hydrocephalus" (CAPECTH), as progressive collections despite aggressive cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Our data indicate that early cranioplasty can help prevent the formation and worsening of this condition, presumably by returning normal CSF dynamics.
-
We present a patient with a glioblastoma multiforme treated with bevacizumab who suffered a traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Trascranial doppler revealed no evidence of vasoconstriction, which has been previously described in a bevacizumab-treated patient. Bevacizumab was resumed five weeks after the SAH without recurrence of bleeding or vasoconstriction. To our knowledge this is the first report of resumption of bevacizumab after SAH.
-
Pramipexole is a non-ergot dopamine agonist that is used frequently as a single therapy or in combination for the management of Parkinson's disease. Common side effects are daytime drowsiness, hypotension, hallucinations and compulsive behaviour. We describe a patient who developed severe chronic and extensive lymphoedema after pramipexole was introduced and that resolved after its cessation.