World Neurosurg
-
Although uncommon, subcortical low-intensity (SCLI) changes on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images are observed in various diseases, including cerebral ischemia. Here, we aimed to clarify the incidence and clinical implications of SCLI changes after revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease, focusing on the correlation with postoperative transient neurologic events (TNEs). ⋯ Early after surgery, SCLI changes are common findings below the operative fields but negatively correlate with increases in CBF. Although no significant association was found between TNEs and the SCLI changes, the synchronized development of these phenomena may suggest a common underlying pathogenesis.
-
Prophylactic use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for patients undergoing brain tumor surgery is common practice despite lack of clear evidence. We hypothesized that prophylactic AED (pAED) use did not affect seizure rates in patients with brain tumor who underwent craniotomy for tumor resection. ⋯ pAEDs did not significantly reduce postoperative seizures in patients with brain tumor in this analysis. In addition, pAED was often continued once prescribed even if the patient remained seizure free.
-
Among the rare intraventricular cavernomas, purely intra-aqueductal cavernomas are exceptionally rare. ⋯ We discuss the rationale that led us to treat hydrocephalus with neuroendoscopy, which offered the possibility to directly inspect the intra-aqueductal lesion, make the diagnosis of cavernoma, and treat symptoms resulting from hydrocephalus without increasing the risk of bleeding.
-
Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited systemic condition with a predominant feature of cyst formation in both kidneys. An association with intracranial glioma has not been described previously in ADPKD. ⋯ These 2 independent cases of glioma suggest an unusual clinical manifestation of ADPKD. The potential association between ADPKD and glioma pathogenesis should be further explored.
-
Case Reports
BRAF-mutated pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma of the spinal cord with eventual anaplastic transformation.
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is an uncommon, primary neoplasm of the central nervous system with a relatively favorable prognosis. Most patients are managed with surgery alone and experience significant long-term survival. PXAs occur most commonly along the superficial surfaces of the temporal lobes. Although these tumors may occur in other regions of the brain, their origin within the spinal cord is rare, and it is unclear whether spinal cord PXAs should be managed differently from their intracranial counterparts. ⋯ To our knowledge, our patient represents the seventh reported case of PXA of the spinal cord but is the first described to have a BRAF mutation. Specifically, both the initial and recurrent tumors of the patient showed the same BRAF V600E mutation, which refutes previous suggestions that BRAF mutations may be limited to intracranial PXAs and also shows that BRAF mutations may occur earlier in PXA tumorigenesis.