World Neurosurg
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Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) frequently is complicated by hydrocephalus and cerebral infarction. Previous studies have shown radiologic evidence of cerebral infarction in TBM to be an indicator of poor outcome in both adults and children. Our objective was to assess short-term mortality in adult patients with TBM and hydrocephalus treated with an external ventricular drain and to assess the prognostic value of cerebral infarction on admission computed tomography imaging within this cohort. ⋯ TBM with hydrocephalus requiring cerebrospinal diversion carries a significant short-term mortality. Within this cohort, the group of patients who have computed tomography-evident cerebral infarcts at admission has an even worse outcome, with a significantly greater short-term mortality prevalence.
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The differential diagnosis for suprasellar masses includes a variety of pathologies, ranging from stable and benign lesions to aggressive and malignant ones. We report a case of a suprasellar hamartoma associated with an arachnoid cyst and review the literature surrounding the topic. ⋯ To our knowledge this is only the third case of an isolated suprasellar hamartoma described in the literature and the first of its kind to be associated with an arachnoid cyst.
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Review Meta Analysis
Clinical outcomes of gamma knife radiosurgery in the salvage treatment of patients with recurrent high-grade glioma.
Previously published randomized evidence did not report a survival advantage for patients diagnosed with grade IV glioma who were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery followed by external beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy when compared to patients treated with external beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy alone. In recent years, gamma knife radiosurgery has become increasingly popular as a salvage treatment modality for patients diagnosed with recurrent high-grade glioma. The purpose of this article is to review the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery for patients who suffer from this malignancy. ⋯ Gamma knife radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment option for select patients diagnosed with recurrent high-grade glioma. Although treatment outcomes have improved, further evidence in the form of phase III randomized trials is needed to assess the durability of treating patients in specific clinical situations.
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Review Meta Analysis
Outcomes of fusion for lateral atlantoaxial osteoarthritis: meta-analysis and review of literature.
Atlantoaxial osteoarthritis (AAOA) is an underrecognized source of neck pain, limitation of range of motion, and cervicogenic headaches. When conservative treatments such as facet injections fail, fusion may be indicated. We reviewed published series describing posterior fusions for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis of the facet joints. ⋯ Posterior C1-2 fusion is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with intractable neck pain secondary to lateral AAOA. Modern fusion options offer a high rate of arthrodesis and low risk of morbidity if conservative therapies fail to provide adequate pain relief.
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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition, which beleaguers its victims with long-term health issues. Nerve transfer is a feasible option for restoration of critical limb function in patients with SCI that potentially improves independence and quality of life. ⋯ Nerve transfer does not require prolonged immobilization and provides greater functional gain for a given transfer. Reconstruction of several facets of upper limb function potentially can be performed in a single stage. The merits of nerve transfer deserve further study to evaluate its value for spinal cord injury in humans.