Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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This study aims to investigate an association between ethanol exposure and in-hospital mortality among patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI). Ethanol exposure is associated with a substantially increased risk of sustaining an iTBI. However, once an iTBI has been sustained, it is unclear whether ethanol exposure is neuroprotective or harmful. ⋯ Ethanol exposure was not significantly associated with a change in the in-hospital mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.02; p=0.19). A substantial proportion of patients with iTBI were exposed to ethanol, but ethanol exposure was not independently associated with a change in mortality rate following iTBI. Any neuroprotection or harm from ethanol exposure was not conclusive, requiring further prospective trials.
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We present a rare extramedullary ependymoma with diffuse spinal metastatic disease, and review the previous reports of extramedullary spinal ependymomas. Ependymomas are the most common intramedullary spinal cord tumor in adults. These tumors rarely present as extramedullary masses. ⋯ Only one tumor with an anaplastic grade resulted in metastatic disease, but without spinal recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an intradural, extramedullary spinal ependymoma with an anaplastic grade, presenting with concomitant diffuse, nodular leptomeningeal metastasis involving the upper cervical spine, thoracic spine, conus medullaris, and cauda equina. Similar to the treatment of intramedullary ependymomas with metastasis, this patient underwent an aggressive debulking procedure followed by radiation therapy to the entire neuroaxis.
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Case Reports
Cervical CT scan-guided epidural blood patches for spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
We describe two patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), presenting with postural headache due to C1-C2 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Both patients were refractory to lumbar epidural blood patching (EBP), and subsequently underwent successful CT scan-guided cervical EBP. SIH affects approximately 1 in 50,000 patients, with females more frequently affected. ⋯ However, in a select subgroup of patients, the symptoms are refractory to medical management and require more invasive therapies. In patients with cervical leaks, EBP in the cervical region is an effective management approach, either in close proximity to, or directly targeting a dural defect. CT scan-guided cervical EBP is an effective treatment approach in refractory SIH, and should be considered in those patients who are refractory to conservative management.
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We report the indications and outcomes of awake right hemispheric brain surgery, as well as a rare patient with crossed aphasia. Awake craniotomies are often performed to protect eloquent cortex. We reviewed the medical records for 35 of 96 patients, in detail, who had awake right hemisphere brain operations. ⋯ There were also improvements in speech and language functions in all patients who presented with speech difficulties. A right sided awake craniotomy is an excellent option for left handed patients, or those with right sided cortical lesions that result in preoperative speech impairments. When combined with intraoperative cortical mapping, both speech and motor function can be well preserved.
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Case Reports
Interhemispheric approach for endoscopic ligation of an anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula.
We describe the endoscopic ligation of an anterior cranial fossa (ACF) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) through an interhemispheric approach. Intracranial DAVF of the ACF are rare and associated with an aggressive natural history, due to their ubiquitous direct cortical venous drainage and frequent coincidence of venous ectasia. Although surgical ligation is the preferred treatment for ACF DAVF, the role of endoscopy in the surgical management of DAVF is undefined. ⋯ After dissecting along the draining vein to the point of fistulization, the proximal portion of the draining vein was ligated. Intraoperative angiography confirmed complete obliteration of the DAVF, and the patient was asymptomatic at the 6 week postoperative follow-up. Endoscopy provides excellent visualization of ACF DAVF and can safely facilitate surgical treatment in appropriately selected patients with these lesions.