World Neurosurg
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Homer's detailed descriptions of head injuries inflicted during the Trojan War are of particular interest to individuals in the medical community. Although studies have examined the prevalence of such injuries, none have examined the preventive measures taken to avoid them. An in-depth review of helmet use in Homer's Iliad was conducted to address this previously unexplored facet of the epic. ⋯ Helmet use and head injury both play a prominent role in Homer's Iliad. Helmets are frequently used in combat settings but with relatively little success. Helmets are also used in various noncombat settings.
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Review Case Reports
Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma with Biopsy Proven Spinal Metastasis: Case Report and Review of Literature.
Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is a rare epithelial malignant neoplasm typically arising from the minor salivary glands. Although it has been described as a benign neoplasm, there are increasing reports of malignant features and metastases to the lungs; we present the first case of biopsy-proven spinal metastases from HCCC and an overview of the literature. ⋯ We present the first pathologically confirmed case of a spinal metastasis in HCCC. As increasing of metastatic HCCC arise, a reconsideration of HCCC as a potentially high-grade disease seems increasingly necessary as it may impact the current treatment paradigm.
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Multicenter Study
Treatment results of gamma knife radiosurgery for central neurocytoma: report of a Japanese multi-institutional co-operative study.
Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare benign neuronal tumor, and a limited number of reports have described the usefulness of radiosurgery for a relatively large group of patients. We evaluated the effectiveness and outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) for CN in a Japanese multi-institutional study. ⋯ GKS is effective for CN because of its high rate of long-term local tumor control. GKS may have a potential role as a primary treatment for asymptomatic, relatively small tumors in the absence of hydrocephalus without surgical resection.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Normal pressure hydrocephalus and parkinsonism: preliminary data on neurosurgical and neurological treatment.
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) may present, besides the classic triad of symptoms, with extrapyramidal parkinsonianlike movement disorders. We present a randomized prospective study comparing adjustable ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion plus dopamine oral therapy (group A) versus VP shunt alone (group B) in patients affected by iNPH associated with parkinsonism. ⋯ iNPH associated with parkinsonism may be a frequent finding. In these cases, patients may benefit from VP shunt plus dopamine oral therapy.
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Review Case Reports
Redefining the prevalence of dural involvement in Rosai-Dorfman disease of the central nervous system.
Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, also known as Rosai-Dorfman disease, is a rare condition, classically characterized by painless, massive cervical lymphadenopathy. Histologically, the pathognomonic findings include a dense, mixed inflammatory infiltrate with areas of emperipolesis. Albeit infrequent, when Rosai-Dorfman disease affects the central nervous system, it typically manifests as an isolated dural lesion, often mimicking a meningioma. A purely intraparenchymal manifestation of Rosai-Dorfman disease of the brain and spine with absent dural involvement is exceedingly rare. ⋯ With the recent increase of such reported cases, it becomes imperative that Rosai-Dorfman be considered more than as a dural lesion that may mimic meningioma. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges surrounding this disease entity are also discussed.