World Neurosurg
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Basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is a complex disease to manage. We have developed a new technique of bone grafting the atlantoaxial joints and occipitocervical fusion using a posterior approach for the reduction and fixation of BI with AAD with complete retention of the C2 nerve root. ⋯ In this preliminary study, our operation technique could treat BI with AAD by using only a posterior approach, which could retain C2 nerve roots and fuse atlantoaxial joints. This technique may be extended to other diseases requiring treatment by C1-C2 fusion.
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Case Reports
Fourth ventricle outlet obstruction with expanding space on the surface of cerebellum: A case report.
Hydrocephalus is classified as noncommunicating and communicating based on whether all ventricular and subarachnoid spaces are communicating. Although the diagnosis between the two different states is crucial, it is difficult in certain conditions. In particular, communicating hydrocephalus and noncommunicating hydrocephalus owing to fourth ventricle outlet obstruction are highly misdiagnosed. We describe a case of fourth ventricle outlet obstruction of unknown origin that was initially misdiagnosed as communicating hydrocephalus. ⋯ Enlargement of the whole ventricular system with an expanded space between the lower cranial nerves and cerebellar hemisphere can be caused by fourth ventricle outlet obstruction. In such cases, preoperative evaluation of anatomic architecture and cerebrospinal fluid obstruction using MRI cisternography is essential and leads to a successful endoscopic strategy.
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The nomenclature adopted for endoscopic medial maxillectomies (EMMs) is exceedingly heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to objectively measure surgical exposure in a preclinical anatomic setting to validate a classification for modular EMMs. ⋯ This modular classification of EMMs, based on quantitative analysis in a preclinical setting, should allow for better personalized preoperative surgical planning and provides standardization of nomenclature.
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Case Reports
"Sentinel seizure" as a warning sign preceding fatal rupture of a giant middle cerebral artery aneurysm.
Sentinel headache is a well-known warning sign preceding subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. New-onset seizure or "sentinel seizure" preceding aneurysmal SAH, however, is uncommon. ⋯ As with sentinel headache, new-onset seizures in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms might prompt immediate treatment to prevent imminent SAH with its subsequent high morbidity and mortality.
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A 40-year-old man was referred to our center with a 4-month history of progressive quadriparesis. Previous brain imaging revealed no abnormality. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast of the cervicothoracic spine revealed 2 heterogeneously enhancing lesions at the level of C3-C5 and T2-T4 (A); T1- and T2-weighted MRI showed hypointense and hyperintense lesions, respectively, which is characteristic of spinal cord astrocytoma (B and C). ⋯ Though resection was attempted, surgery was aborted due to hemodynamic instability and signal changes in neuromonitoring. The patient stabilized in the intensive care unit and experienced slight improvement in upper extremity strength. After discharge without further complications, the patient was expected to return for further adjuvant therapy/surgical planning but unfortunately passed away 1.5 months after his operation, most likely to rapid disease progression.