World Neurosurg
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Spine osteoblastomas (OBs) are relatively rare. In contrast to osteoid osteoma, radiologic and clinical manifestations of OB can be varied and atypical. Typical radiographic features in spinal OB include peritumoral bone sclerosis, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue edema. Atypical radiographic features include lesions involving ≥3 segments, lesions with extensive (≥3 segments) bone sclerosis, excessive edema (≥3 segments) of soft tissue and bone marrow, no intralesional calcification, and location in the vertebral body only. The aim of this study was to identify typical and atypical features of OB. ⋯ Our results show that >30% of spinal OB cases might have atypical radiographic features. In cases with atypical radiographic features, computed tomography-guided biopsies are recommended.
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Meningiomas are mostly benign intradural tumors. Concerning the spine, some of them can extend outside the canal or even develop extradurally but their primary attach is often located in the vertebral canal. Here we present the case of an exceptional purely intraforaminal meningioma mimicking a neurogenic tumor, involving the vertebral artery and presenting with cervicobrachial neuralgia and slight motor deficit.
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As previous studies reported, the balloon guide catheter is useful for identifying the fistula point during diagnosis of direct carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (d-CCF). We demonstrate an additional advantage of the balloon guide catheter during intraarterial endovascular treatment of d-CCF. ⋯ Using a balloon guiding catheter can reduce internal carotid artery flow near the fistula point at the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. As a result, better identification of the fistula point can be made, which allows easier placement of the microcatheter into the fistula point and more stable coil deployment.
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We sought to investigate the changed position of thoracic aorta relative to spine in patients with left thoracic scoliosis and to analyze the potential risks of thoracic aorta injury from pedicle screw insertion in these patients. ⋯ The thoracic aorta often lies anteriorly to the left pedicle screw trajectory in normal subjects, especially in the lower thoracic region. However, the thoracic aorta moves to the right side in patients with left thoracic scoliosis, making a large proportion of patients at risk of injury from right pedicle screw insertion in the apical region.
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Case Reports
Late intramedullary spinal metastases from esthesioneuroblastoma: case report and prognostic implications.
Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is an uncommon neuroectodermal tumor that originates from the olfactory mucosa and often recurs locally. Distant metastases of ENB have been described, but there are few reports of intramedullary metastases to the spinal cord. ⋯ Through the presentation of this case we hope to further contribute to a better understanding of this rare disease's prognosis.