World Neurosurg
-
Spinal syphilitic gumma is an unusual presentation of neurosyphilis, with a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Owing to its extreme rarity, the diagnosis and treatment of spinal syphilitic gumma and the relevant prognosis have not been outlined. ⋯ Spinal syphilitic gumma can occur in the intramedullary region, and clinicians should be aware of this extremely rare entity, as it can be easily mistaken for more common neoplasms occurring at this site. The magnetic resonance imaging appearance of this entity has some suggestive characteristics, and a confident diagnosis depends on the pathology. Surgical resection can help to relieve acute spinal cord compression, and systemic antibiotic treatment for syphilis should be emphasized for long-term control.
-
Case Reports
Traumatic Entrapment of the Vertebral Artery Demonstrated by a 3-D Angiographic Study: A Case Report.
Vertebrobasilar artery entrapment resulting from a clivus fracture is rare. The entrapped lesions are not radiographically depicted precisely because they are only identified by autopsy or completely occluded. In addition, no changes in the features have been revealed clearly because radiologic examinations were performed only in the acute stage. ⋯ It is necessary to manage vertebrobasilar artery entrapment cautiously because it is suggested that the entrapped lesion is accompanied by arterial dissection.
-
Pediatric basal ganglia germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a rare subset of tumors about which little is known. We aimed to summarize the clinical features and radiological findings of this special subgroup of GCTs. ⋯ GCTs are not as rare as considered in pediatric basal ganglia tumors. They bear some distinctive clinical and radiologic features, which can help with the accurate diagnosis and successful management of such tumors.
-
Resection of heavily calcified craniopharyngioma is quite challenging. The stretched optic nerves, perforators, and stalk are likely to be jeopardized further during attempts to break the calcified chunks, especially through narrow corridors. We describe a surgical technique to mobilize bilateral optic nerves and drill the calcified chunk to crumple it. ⋯ Mobilizing bilateral optic nerves improves the exposure and allows dissection of arachnoid from calcified craniopharyngiomas. Its drilling through widened corridors helps to shatter it. Using the technique, the neurovascular structures can possibly be better preserved while achieving maximal resection.
-
Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition, with an estimated incidence of 3-15.5 per 100,000 people, with significantly higher rates in the elderly population. Recurrence rates range from 2%-37% after surgical drainage. Studies have shown that leaving a drain postoperatively can reduce recurrence rates, but studies have not looked at whether there is a difference between leaving 1 or 2 drains. ⋯ This study demonstrates that neither the number of burr holes nor the number of drains left after a burr hole drainage of cSDH appear to affect recurrence rates, whereas liver disease does make recurrence more likely.