World Neurosurg
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Meningiomas of the clinoid region pose a formidable surgical challenge. Pterional craniotomy is the traditional approach and is often associated with high-risk postsurgical morbidities. In the current presentation, we describe an elderly male with a clinoidal meningioma who underwent a minimally invasive supraorbital craniotomy for tumor resection. ⋯ Initial intraoperative steps include dissection via the corridor between the carotid artery and the tentorium, as well as exposing the tumor in the opticocarotid triangle, followed by tumor dissection using microsurgical techniques. Care must be taken to preserve the supraorbital nerve to prevent frontal numbness and avoid violation of the frontal sinus to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak. Emphasis on using this minimally invasive procedure for clinoidal meningiomas over the pterional approach for a select cohort of patients is laid, considering the cosmetic merits and adequate extent of tumor resection.
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Surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases is effective at prolonging ambulation and life, but it can appear costly at first glance. We have studied the difference between the cost of surgery and reimbursement received, and the cost-effectiveness of surgery in a U.K. tertiary referral spinal center. ⋯ Our results demonstrate that reimbursement to hospitals for surgical management of symptomatic spinal metastases in the United Kingdom is broadly in line with costs, and that there was an overall saving as a result of community care costs being mitigated by patients walking for longer, which is within the expected National Health Service threshold. Surgery for metastatic spinal tumors is effective and a good value for the money.
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Acute lymphoblastic lymphoma is a malignant hematologic disease in childhood but rarely initially involves epidural compartment in adults. A 20-year-old male presented with progressive osphyalgia with constipation. Contrasted magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple vertebrae of hypointense T1 signals and an intraspinal epidural lesion. ⋯ Histopathology suggested malignant B-cell lymphoma with Ki-67 of 90% and positivity of leukocyte common antigen. A bone marrow biopsy was unequivocally diagnostic of B-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma followed by chemotherapy (methotrexate) and partial recovery was observed. The marrow biopsy was necessary if without hypercalcemia and abnormal peripheral blood examination.
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Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt is a routine technique for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The correct position at the superior vena cava-right atrium junction is generally assessed by radiography. We present the first experience of an alternative, nonradiographic technique to assess the distal end of the VA shunts through an electrocardiographic (EKG) method. The technique has developed from the large experience of central venous catheters (CVC) worldwide; the EKG-guided method is a common and validated alternative to standard radiologic control of the location of the tip of any CVC. ⋯ The EKG-guided technique for VA shunts is as accurate as fluoroscopy, but simpler, more readily available, less expensive, safer, and more cost effective. It reduces the need of radiography and radiologic exposition for both patients and operators. The EKG method may be a valid and cost-effective alternative to standard radiologic control in VA shunts, as for any central venous access device, and could become the preferential method for confirming tip position during VA shunt surgery.
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Review Case Reports
Low Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
The entity of low-pressure hydrocephalus remains poorly understood and thoroughly debated. Symptomatic improvement accompanied by decrease in ventricular size after prolonged subatmospheric drainage has been well documented, and this method has been considered the criterion standard of management. Few studies have examined alternative treatment options, either to avoid the risks associated with prolonged external ventricular drainage or because of the failure of traditional methods. ⋯ MRE may prove to be effective in studying LPH because of its ability to quantify viscoelastic properties in response to therapy. Additionally, ETV should be considered in cases of LPH, although there is little evidence in the current literature to support its use. There are suggestions that it may lead to fewer shunt-dependent patients. Future studies are needed because there are few documented examples.