Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
-
Case Reports
Cerebrofacial arteriovenous metameric syndrome (CAMS): a spectrum disorder of craniofacial vascular malformations.
Cerebrofacial arteriovenous metameric syndrome (CAMS) is a recent classification of vascular malformations that encompasses a spectrum of phenotypic expression involving arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the cerebral, orbital, and facial region. Recognizing the embryologic basis of CAMS is important for diagnosing other AVMs along the same metameric level. ⋯ The diagnosis of cerebral AVMs was made by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and confirmed with cerebral angiography. High-resolution flat-panel computed tomography was performed in one patient and was useful to demonstrate the intraneural invasion of the optic nerve by the AVM.
-
Alcohol consumption in pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the infant. This study aims to investigate prenatal alcohol exposure related neuroapoptosis on the cerebral cortex tissues of newborn rats and possible neuroprotective effects of betaine, folic acid, and combined therapy. ⋯ We observed that ethanol is capable of triggering apoptotic cell death in the newborn rat brains. Furthermore, folic acid, betaine, and combined therapy of these supplements may reduce neuroapoptosis related to prenatal alcohol consumption, and might be effective on preventing fetal alcohol syndrome in infants.
-
We have discussed the diagnosis and treatment approaches in patients with discontinued (disconnected or fractured) ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts that caused mechanical dysfunction. ⋯ Disconnection and fracture are two significant mechanical VP shunt dysfunctions and must be adequately researched and understood even during routine follow-ups. A disconnected or fractured shunt may be working and it is not safe to state that the shunt is no longer needed.
-
The optimal imaging modality for evaluating cervical spine trauma and optimizing management in the pediatric population is controversial. In pediatric populations, there are no well-established guidelines for cervical spine trauma evaluation and treatment. Currently, there is virtually no literature regarding imaging and management of symptomatic pediatric patients who present with cervical spine trauma without high-impact mechanism. This study aims to establish an optimal imaging strategy for this subgroup of trauma patients. ⋯ In this study, MRI has a greater sensitivity and specificity when compared to CSS radiography in a symptomatic pediatric low-impact trauma population. Our data call in to question the routine use of CSS radiographs in children.
-
Review Case Reports
Childhood acute basilar artery thrombosis successfully treated with mechanical thrombectomy using stent retrievers: case report and review of the literature.
Acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) is an infrequent but potentially fatal cause of strokes in both adults and children, and it is usually due to vertebral artery dissection (VAD). VAD has been found to be usually a consequence of traumatic vertebral artery injury. ABAO usually presents with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) of the posterior circulation or transient ischemic attack (TIA). It may lead to death or long-term disability if not promptly recanalized. Basilar artery recanalization in children can be achieved safely and with excellent clinical outcome using endovascular thrombectomy with the new generation self-expanding and retrievable stents. ⋯ To our knowledge, only nine cases of ABAO in children treated with intra-arterial thrombectomy have been previously reported in the literature. In only three cases, the Solitaire stent was applied. Our case is the first case of basilar artery occlusion treated with Solitaire stent, in a child under 24 months. The reports that are available so far indicate that basilar artery recanalization in children can be achieved safely and with excellent clinical outcome using endovascular thrombectomy with the new generation self-expanding and retrievable stents.