Pediatric neurosurgery
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Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2007
Case ReportsCat scratch disease with epidural extension while on antimicrobial treatment.
We report the first case of a child with an epidural abscess caused by Bartonella henselae. This case is unique in that the diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the abscess fluid. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed a paraspinal soft tissue abnormality extending from the T(12) to the L(4) level, and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the lumbar spine showed osteomyelitis at the T(12) level with soft tissue changes. B. henselae serology showed an IgG titer of 1:256 and IgM of <1:16.
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Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2007
Real-time neuronavigation with high-quality 3D ultrasound SonoWand in pediatric neurosurgery.
Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) serves as a basic imaging tool in neurosurgery. However, its low quality and difficulty in interpreting the images make its use as a resection control tool and navigation system cumbersome. We present our experience using a high-resolution 3D IOUS system combined with a navigation system in pediatric cranial surgery. ⋯ The indications for IOUS were preoperative navigation to define the skin incision and exact craniotomy site, and for real-time neuronavigation and resection control during tumor removal. The added time per case was short and no technical difficulties were encountered. High-resolution 3D IOUS combined with navigation systems has advantages for the pediatric neurosurgical population, including both real-time basic navigation and improved resection control.
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Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2007
Case ReportsPosterior fossa dermoid cyst in a patient with Goldenhar syndrome.
A 7-year-old boy with Goldenhar syndrome was diagnosed to have a posterior cranial fossa dermoid cyst. The presence of such a combination of clinical entities has not been reported earlier. The embryonic dysgenesis causing midline posterior fossa dermoid and other anomalies observed in Goldenhar syndrome occur between the third and fifth week of intrauterine life and are probably interrelated. This report emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion and the value of cranial imaging in a case with Goldenhar syndrome.
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Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2007
Case ReportsTransorbital orbitocranial penetrating injury due to bicycle brake handle in a child.
Transorbital orbitocranial penetrating injuries (TOPI) are relatively rare and can be caused by a variety of unusual objects. Diagnosis of TOPI should be based on a detailed history and evaluation of available investigations as the penetrating injury may be overlooked. In the present case, a child sustained a penetrating injury with the brake handle of a bicycle due to the accidental fall of the bicycle on him and was managed conservatively.
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Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 2007
Case ReportsPostoperative brain stem tension pneumocephalus causing transient locked-in syndrome.
The incidence of pneumocephalus after supratentorial craniotomy has been reported to be as high as 100%. However, transformation of postoperative pneumocephalus into tension pneumocephalus (symptomatic intracranial air) is a rather rare phenomenon. ⋯ We hereby report on a patient who developed brain-stem tension pneumocephalus in the early postoperative period after posterior fossa craniotomy for an exophytic brainstem astrocytoma, operated in the prone position. A complete locked-in syndrome resolved following surgical relief of the trapped air.