World Neurosurg
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Ecchordosis physaliphora (EP) is a non-neoplastic notochord remnant with limited literature. We present a review on surgically resected clival EP to evaluate if available follow-up is adequate to distinguish EP from chordomas. ⋯ Mean follow-up for resected EP was almost 3 times shorter than mean time to recurrence of chordomas. Available literature is likely inadequate to confirm the suspected benign nature of EP especially in reference to chordoma, precluding treatment and follow-up recommendations.
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A 6-year-old girl presented with moderate-intensity headache, frequent vomiting, visual disturbance, and left-sided decreased hearing for 7 months. The neurologic examination revealed a right upper motor neuron facial nerve palsy, left-sided 4-mm sluggish pupil (right: 3-mm reactive), and unsteady gait. Fundoscopy was notable for bilateral papilledema. ⋯ Histopathologic sections were compatible with adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Giant craniopharyngiomas have rarely been reported. This article presents the clinical and radiologic outcomes of a patient with a giant craniopharyngioma.
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Frailty status and hypoalbuminemia have been associated with higher rates of complications after spine surgery. However, the combination of both conditions has not been fully analyzed. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of frailty and hypoalbuminemia on the risk of complications after spine surgery. ⋯ The combination of frailty and hypoalbuminemia significantly increases the risk of complications after spine surgery. The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia in the frailty group was significantly higher than in nonfrail patients (11.4% vs. 4.3%). Both conditions should be evaluated preoperatively.