World Neurosurg
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Congenital intranasal encephaloceles (ECs) are rare malformations of the pediatric age, complex to diagnose and treat, above all if associated with genetic syndromes or concomitant dysmorphisms. The aims of the study were to report our experience in managing nasal ECS in children, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the transnasal endoscopic repair, and to analyze in an overall way the surgical long-term outcomes. Moreover, we sought to contribute to the debate on pathogenesis of ECs, investigating possible related risk factors described in the literature. ⋯ Endonasal endoscopic management of congenital ECs is feasible in children, although regular long-term follow-up is essential. Furthermore, the surgical approach does not seem to affect patients' development and quality of life, although more studies and validated questionnaires are needed. No recurrent risk factors were observed able to justify a certain etiologic relation.
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Brain metastasis is rare in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The combination of an anti-programmed death 1 inhibitor and an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug provides therapeutic opportunities for refractory patients. So far, there are no data on the efficacy of these combined therapies for patients with HCC brain metastasis. ⋯ This case report highlights the efficacy of toripalimab and apatinib in the management of brain metastasis from HCC.
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Granular cell astrocytoma (GCA) is an aggressive variant of astrocytoma characterized by predominantly round-to-polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. This tumor usually lack the morphological signatures of conventional astrocytoma and are devoid of typical features which define a malignant neoplasm, leading to potential misdiagnosis. ⋯ GCAs behave in a belligerent manner irrespective of their morphologic grade as they are seen to exhibit genetic alterations similar to glioblastoma. Thereby, they warrant early diagnosis for conducive patient management.
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Case Reports
Diffuse Cerebral Vasospasm After Removal of a Posterior Fossa Hemangioblastoma in a 62-year-old Female.
The development of diffuse cerebral vasospasm after the removal of a brain tumor is extremely rare. We report a case of cerebral vasospasm after the removal of a posterior fossa hemangioblastoma. ⋯ Although the occurrence of diffuse cerebral vasospasm after the removal of brain tumors in the posterior fossa is rare, this complication should be noted as a potential postoperative complication after tumor removal; this should lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment and a potentially better prognosis.
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Comparative Study
Concurrent vs Staged Procedures for VPS and Cranioplasty: A 10-year Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Surgical Outcomes.
Many patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy will develop persistent hydrocephalus before cranioplasty. Therefore, surgeons must decide whether to perform ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement and cranioplasty simultaneously or in staged procedures. With limited, conflicting data reported, this decision has often been made by personal preference. The objective of the present study was to compare the surgical outcomes between patients undergoing concurrent or staged VPS placement and cranioplasty. ⋯ Because of the trend toward a reduced reoperation rate, the significantly reduced rate of hospital-acquired infection, and the reduction in the number of surgeries, we recommend that patients awaiting cranioplasty in the setting of persistent hydrocephalus undergo concurrent VPS placement and cranioplasty rather than staged procedures.