Neurosurgery
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We report the case of a girl who developed cerebellar medulloblastoma at the age of 12 years and in whom, 4 years after surgical removal and radiotherapy, neoplastic dissemination via the cerebrospinal fluid took place. After only partially effective systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, an intrathecal administration of lymphokine-activated killer cells and recombinant interleukin-2 allowed complete clinical recovery persisting after a follow-up of 30 months.
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Case Reports
Congenital intramedullary lipoma of the dorsocervical spinal cord with intracranial extension: case report.
The unusual computed tomographic findings of an extensive intramedullary lipoma of the dorsocervical spinal cord, which extended into the brain stem, in a 9-month-old infant are described and correlated with the surgical findings. The operative therapeutic options are discussed.
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A retrospective study of subdural empyema and epidural abscess spanning 11 years and encompassing 41 patients was performed, demonstrating that the clinical characteristics of intracranial suppuration have changed over time. Sinusitis and otitis media, previously the predominant etiologies, were predisposing factors in only 29% of patients. A prior craniotomy had been performed in 66% of cases and was the most common risk factor for abscess development. ⋯ The mortality rate was 18.5%, and delay in treatment correlated with increased risk of poor outcome. All patients were treated with a craniotomy. Repeated operations were required in three patients and were associated with the development of intraparenchymal abscess.