Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
-
In a consecutive series of 26 previously operated patients diagnosed with cerebral glioma, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), 2-((18)F) fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and perfusion MRI (MRP), were performed at follow-up to distinguish recurrence from radiation necrosis, and to identify tumour upgrading. Discrepancy between techniques was observed in 9 cases. ⋯ In the selected group of nine cases studied to differentiate viable tumour from radiation necrosis, MRS and MRP reached a PPV and a NPV of 100%, whereas for FDG-PET, PPV and NPV were 66.6% and 60%, respectively. To distinguish between viable high-grade glioma and radiation necrosis, gadolinium-enhanced MRI gives a high false-positive rate, while MRS and MRP are superior to FDG-PET in discriminating tumour recurrence, grade increase and radiation necrosis.
-
Non-convulsive seizures and non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) are believed common in comatose patients and are suggested to worsen outcome. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate outcome in patients in critical care units in whom NCSE was suspected to determine how often evidence of seizure activity existed based on an isolated standard 20 minute electroencephalogram (EEG) and to determine what clinical factors predicted outcome. We prospectively reviewed EEGs and clinical charts of patients admitted to a critical care unit at a tertiary care center who were suspected to have non-convulsive seizures. ⋯ Clinical factors, including age, underlying etiology and GCS score are the most important predicators of outcome in coma. A standard 20 minute EEG did not correlate with a high detection rate of seizure activity. Furthermore, EEG patterns and treatment with anticonvulsant medications did not correlate with outcome.
-
Case Reports
Pedicle subtraction osteotomies for the correction of post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis.
Traumatic compression fractures are usually treated non-surgically. In most patients without osteoporosis, such fractures heal without any sequelae. ⋯ Pedicle subtraction osteotomies have been used in non-traumatic settings to correct kyphotic deformities or restore lordosis in patients in symptomatic positive sagittal balance. We apply this technique in the setting of post-traumatic kyphosis, and we performed the osteotomies at the level of the compression fracture.
-
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encephalitis is a rare neurological complication, usually only reported in pediatric patients. We present a 20-year-old, previously healthy male who developed hemorrhagic encephalitis caused by EBV. He was admitted to our hospital with a 1-week history of fever, diarrhea, headache, and confusion. ⋯ EBV DNA was identified in brain biopsy specimens by polymerase chain reaction. The postoperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the second report of hemorrhagic EBV encephalitis in an adult.
-
We report a 73-year-old man presenting with bilateral leg numbness and weakness. Three spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (SDAVF) were found after clinical deterioration post lumbar puncture (LP). This patient highlights the difficulties in the diagnosis and management of SDAVF, and the risks of LP.