World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
First case of primary sellar/suprasellar intraventricular Ewing Sarcoma: case report and review of literature.
Intracranial Ewing sarcoma (ES) and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) are extremely rare and poorly differentiated neoplasms. Immunohistochemical and cytogenetic findings support the possibility of a unique nosologic entity. Primary intracranial localization of this tumor is extremely rare; a few cases are reported in the literature, with only some confirmed by genetic studies. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first case of primary intrasellar/suprasellar-intraventricular ES/pPNET confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. Extensive investigations, including pathologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic studies, are needed for differentiation of these tumors from other, more common sellar/suprasellar tumors. Our case highlights that an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach is mandatory to guarantee a favorable outcome.
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Review Case Reports
Extramedullar Cavernous Hemangioma with intra- and extradural growth and clinical symptoms of Brown-Séquard syndrome - Case report and Review of the Literature.
Primary spinal tumors are rare. Symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor. ⋯ This is an extremely rare finding; to our knowledge, only 1 case report has been published before in which a spinal cavernous hemangioma had intradural and extradural growth. The clinical symptoms of Brown-Séquard syndrome have not been described before in the findings of spinal cavernous hemangiomas.
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Review Case Reports
Intra- and extramedullary dumbbell shaped schwannoma of the medulla oblongata: a case report and review of the literature.
Brainstem intramedullary schwannomas (ISs) are extremely rare. Various theories have been suggested to explain its origin. It was first speculated that ISs arise from the region where the nerve roots lose their sheaths on penetrating the pia mater. Later, it was further predicted that ISs would contain both intra- and extramedullary parts and would be shaped like a dumbbell. However, no cases reported previously can support this assumption adequately. ⋯ To date and to our knowledge, there are only 16 reported cases of brainstem ISs, none of which contained both intra- and extramedullary components. We believe this is the first report of dumbbell schwannoma of the medulla oblongata with adequate radiologic evidence. The relevant literature is reviewed, and an assumption has been proposed that dumbbell or surfacing ISs arising near entry zones of sensory nerves, mixed cranial nerves, or ventral root may originate from the aberrant Schwann cells.
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Review Case Reports
Surgical treatment of metallic foreign body embolization in the middle cerebral artery: case report and literature review.
Intracranial artery embolization cases caused by foreign bodies are extremely rare clinically. Twenty-four cases in total have been reported in the literature; among them, 20 cases were caused by firearms, and only 4 cases originated from nonfirearm injuries in daily life. ⋯ Based on our experience, as well as on the premise that the surgical technique is mature and the medical facilities are well equipped, such patients should undergo embolectomy as soon as possible to avoid severe cerebral hemorrhage due to mechanical injury and vascular wall corrosion.
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Review Biography Historical Article
Ulf Fernstrom (1915-1985) and his Contributions to the Development of Artificial Disc Replacements: A Historical Vignette.
Artificial disc replacements, which serve the function of separating vertebrae to allow for proper spinal alignment, can help treat debilitating low back pain in patients who have failed other conservative methods of treatment. A Swedish surgeon, Ulf Fernström, was the pioneer of artificial disc replacement, and his contribution in the form of Fernström balls dramatically altered spinal surgery and technique by showing the proper technique and implant that should be used for areas requiring motion in many planes. ⋯ Of the wide range of implants on the market for the intervertebral disc space, all designs and applications of products stem from the initial discovery made by Fernström, thus making him a pioneer in disc replacement.