World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
Coexistence of extra-axial cavernous malformation and cerebellar developmental venous anomaly in the cerebellopontine angle.
The coexistence of cavernous malformations (CMs) and developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is exceedingly rare. To the authors' knowledge, only one case of CPA CM with concurrence of a neighboring DVA has been reported to date. ⋯ CMs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any extra-axial hemorrhagic mass, especially with a DVA in the proximity. The coexistence of CM and DVA in CPA, although maybe just a coincidence, suggests the possibility of a new subtype of extra-axial CPA CM secondary to a preexisting DVA. A long-term follow-up is justified in discovering the potential mechanism and biology of such uncommon vascular malformations.
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Iliac crest autograft remains the gold standard for spinal fusion operations. Given risk of donor site morbidity, many centers utilize allograft. We reviewed published series of C1-2 posterolateral instrumented fusions with allograft and autograft. ⋯ This review is limited by the retrospective data and inconsistent methodology of fusion determination used in most studies. Modern instrumentation and proper surgical techniques result in high rates of successful C1-2 arthrodesis. The use of allograft is a treatment option (Class III evidence) during posterior C1-2 instrumentation and fusion operations. Randomized, controlled trials using standardized radiographic assessments are needed across spinal arthrodesis studies to better determine the prevalence of radiographic fusion and establish technique superiority.
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Pediatric spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare and complex lesions to treat. There are few reports of the endovascular and microsurgical treatment of these lesions in the pediatric population, and the treatment outcomes of these patients are not well described. The aim of this study was the clinical and radiographic outcomes of spinal AVMs in pediatric patients treated via endovascular and microsurgical modalities. ⋯ Pediatric spinal AVMs require complex combined microsurgical and endovascular techniques to achieve favorable outcomes.