World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
Acute hydrocephalus resulting from neuromyelitis optica: A case report and review of the literature.
Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. The neuropathologic hallmark of the disease is deposits of antibodies and complement, loss of astrocytes, secondary degeneration of oligodendrocytes and neurons, and necrotic lesions with infiltration of neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes. It can rarely be associated with hydrocephalus, but the cause and mechanisms that result in hydrocephalus are not clear. ⋯ This case provides evidence of the rapid development of hydrocephalus in association with periventricular inflammation, without aqueductal stenosis. In a state of aquaporin-4 dysfunction such as in neuromyelitis optica, altered cerebrospinal fluid resorption could lead to acute hydrocephalus by a nonobstructive mechanism.
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Spinal myxopapillary ependymoma (sMPE) is an uncommon primary spinal neoplasm infiltrating the spinal cord, conus medullaris (CM), and nerve roots. It is associated with low resection and high recurrence rates. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the exact impact of the involvement of the CM and the role played by gross total resection (GTR) on overall survival (OS). ⋯ Given the indolent sMPE behavior, it is difficult to evaluate the exact impact of GTR and CM involvement on OS; however, GTR could be associated with a limited survival advantage, whereas CM involvement could be associated with a survival disadvantage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Are Modic Vertebral End-plate Signal Changes associated with Degeneration or Clinical Outcomes in the cervical spine?
To report on the incidence of Modic changes (MCs) in patients with cervical radiculopathy due to a herniated disc. Presence of MCs was correlated to clinical outcomes and the presence of radiological degeneration. ⋯ MCs were not associated with neck pain, nor with arm pain. Furthermore, there was a tendency for a correlation between the presence of MCs and radiological degeneration.
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Review Case Reports
Herpes simplex encephalitis shortly after surgery for a secondary glioblastoma: a case report and review of the literature.
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) co-occurrence has been described in few cases presenting immunocompromised status related to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Focal encephalitis over surgical edge of resection occurring shortly after GBM resection is rarely reported, and such infection has never been reported in low-grade glioma with secondary malignant transformation (i.e., secondary GBM). Here, we report a case of HSE misdiagnosed in the early postoperative course following a secondary GBM resection. We also provide a review of the literature about HSE occurring after glioma surgery. ⋯ Clinicians should be aware of the existing co-occurrence between HSV infections and GBM during the postoperative course. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis with HSV polymerase chain reaction testing should be promptly undertaken, and some keys clinical elements should justify early empirical treatment, including acyclovir administration. The significant prognostic implication of HSE complicating GBM must raise the attention of neurosurgeon and neuro-oncologist about this entity.
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Review Case Reports
Cerebral trypanosomiasis in an immunocompromised patient: case report and review of the literature.
We document a case of central nervous system infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. ⋯ Chagas disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of an immunocompromised patient presenting with a central nervous system mass, meningoencephalitis, or focal neurologic signs.