World Neurosurg
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Spontaneous meningoencephaloceles of the lateral sphenoid sinus are rare entities, and their peculiar location represents a surgical challenge due to the importance of a wide exposure and skull base reconstruction. They are thought to arise from the congenital base defect of the lateral sphenoid or in some cases have been postulated to represent a rare manifestation of altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. We report the first case in the literature of a Chiari malformation type I (CMI) and a lateral sphenoid encephalocele, revising the theoretic etiology and surgical technique of endoscopic repair. ⋯ The association of spontaneous lateral sphenoid encephaloceles with CMI is distinctly unusual. Predisposing factors and disruption of CSF dynamics may play a major role in the development of these rare complications in patients with CMI. Because of their distinct location, transethmoid or transpterygoid endoscopic approaches represent an excellent surgical technique to treat these lesions thanks to their wide and direct visualization of the entire skull base defect following the encephalocele excision, allowing an adequate multilayer repair and lateral sphenoid recess occlusion.
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A 29-year-old patient experienced a violent headache during bodybuilding exercises. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse meningitis and a 38-mm necrotic pituitary adenoma. Meningoencephalitis was suspected but was ruled out by lumbar puncture. Rapid deterioration of the patient's condition led to coma and oxygen desaturation secondary to intracranial hypertension. Intense treatment for intracranial hypertension included profound sedation with respiratory assistance, osmotherapy, hypothermia, and external ventricular drainage. After 4 weeks in the intensive care unit, the patient fully recovered and was discharged with hormonal supplementation. ⋯ The few reported cases of pituitary apoplexy mimicking bacterial meningoencephalitis may have resulted from blood leakage or necrosis into the subarachnoid space.
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Case Reports
Seven cerebral aneurysms: a challenging case from the Andean slopes managed with one-stage surgery.
Treatment of multiple intracranial aneurysms is particularly demanding and even more so in a developing country where access to specialized centers may be prevented by different factors. ⋯ Good teamwork and correct application of microsurgical principles may allow effective treatment in complex neurosurgical cases even in resource-challenged environments.
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Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is a rare histologic subtype of meningioma that is classified as World Health Organization grade II tumor. We conducted the present study to characterize clinical features of intracranial CCM and investigate the prognostic factors associated with surgical recurrence-free survival of the patients. ⋯ The results suggest that intracranial CCM has its own unique clinical features compared with the other 2 types of grade II meningiomas. Patients with subtotally resected tumors, males, or those who did not receive postoperative radiotherapy are at greater risk of recurrence. GTR should be the primary goal in the surgical management of intracranial CCMs. Our data also highlight the value of radiotherapy in intracranial CCM patients.
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Comparative Study
Identification of a Long Non-Coding RNA-Associated Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Intracranial Aneurysm.
Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a cerebrovascular disorder characterized by an abnormally bulged artery in the brain and subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by IA rupture with a high ratio of fatality and morbidity. However, the genetic cause of IA remains largely unknown. ⋯ By comparing IAs and their control arteries, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs and suggested ceRNA roles in the pathogenesis of IA. These findings may help to characterize the pathogenesis of IA and provide novel therapeutic targets in the future for patients with IA.