Clinical neurology and neurosurgery
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Apr 2007
Review Case ReportsPituitary stalk hemangioblastoma: the fourth case report and review of the literature.
Supratentorial hemangioblastomas (HBL) have been rarely described in the literature. Herein we report the fourth case of pituitary stalk HBL diagnosed concurrently with cerebellar HBLs in a 51-year-old woman with von Hippel-Lindau disease. ⋯ The clinical presentation, radiological features, pathological findings, and the management of this particular case are discussed in the light of the available literature. To our knowledge, this case is the only pituitary stalk HBL with total resection, and a long follow-up fully documented.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Apr 2007
Pulmonary function in multiple sclerosis without any respiratory complaints.
Pulmonary complications in severe multiple sclerosis (MS) are often seen secondary to respiratory muscle dysfunction. The development of respiratory muscle dysfunction and its association with disability during the course of MS is unknown. In our study, we investigated the predictive value of respiratory muscle functions and the change in forced vital capacity (Delta forced vital capacity [FVC]; FVC upright-FVC supine) to detect deterioration of respiratory muscle functions in the early phase of MS. ⋯ Our results indicate the presence of pulmonary dysfunction in MS even in the absence of any respiratory symptoms.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Apr 2007
Case ReportsSpontaneous resolution of acute cranial subdural hematomas.
Acute cranial subdural hematoma (SDH) represents a common consequence of traumatic brain injury. The vast majority of acute SDHs larger than 10mm in thickness require immediate surgical evacuation. ⋯ Further more, the proposed theories explaining spontaneous resolution of acute SDH, as well as, clinical parameters and imaging characteristics that might predict such phenomenon, are also reviewed. The possibility of spontaneous resolution of an acute SDH, although remote, may impact the decision making process regarding the management of these patients under certain conditions.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of fresh frozen plasma in severe closed head injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Coagulopathy, commonly occurring after severe TBI, is associated with poor outcome and secondary complications, especially delayed traumatic intracerebral hematoma (DTICH). In this study we evaluated the effect of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on the reduction in the incidence of DTICH in severe closed head injury victims. ⋯ The result of this study revealed that early empirical infusion of FFP in patients with severe head injury may lead to adverse effects, such as an increase in the frequency of DTICH and an increase in the mortality.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Feb 2007
Case ReportsHistoplasmoma: isolated central nervous system infection with Histoplasma capsulatum in a patient with AIDS. Case report and brief review of the literature.
Histoplasma capsulatum is endemic to the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. Exposure to H. capsulatum is very common in this region and usually follows a benign clinical course. However, immunocompromised hosts, like those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to symptomatic infection, and have a greater chance of developing disseminated disease. ⋯ The lesion enlarged over a period of months, and he underwent radiation therapy after the lesion caused obstructive hydrocephalus. He expired soon after completion of radiation therapy. At autopsy, the mass lesion was noted to contain organisms constant with H. capsulatum, pathologically consistent with a histoplasmoma.