World Neurosurg
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Vasospasm after craniopharyngioma surgery, although rare, has been reported. Hypotheses regarding possible causative factors, including major vessel handling during surgery and tumor cyst fluid spillage, do not explain vasospasm occurring in the late postoperative period. We have attempted to consider the probable pathogenic mechanisms of this complication and measures to prevent it. ⋯ Major vessel handling during radical craniopharyngioma surgery is likely to predispose them to spasm, accentuated by rapid shifts of fluid and electrolytes during different phases of DI. This is further complicated by a relative hypocortisolic state caused by tendency to taper off steroids early. Hypocortisolism masks DI leading to dehydration and possibly vasospasm. Once vasospasm develops, it is not easy to reverse. Radiologic reversal with intra-arterial nimodipine may not translate into a good clinical response. Therefore, prudence lies in its prevention. Close monitoring of fluids and electrolytes with optimal steroid cover is necessary until stabilization of DI to prevent this complication.
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Brain abscesses cause substantial morbidity and mortality even after appropriate therapy, and no underlying cause is found in 25% of cases. We investigated the added utility of contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) in the diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with cerebral abscesses and no history or prior trauma or cranial surgery. ⋯ Contrast-enhanced chest CT is useful for identifying treatable causes of cerebral abscesses in patients with a cerebral abscess and no history of surgery or trauma.
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Accurate positioning of a ventricle catheter is of utmost importance. Various techniques to ensure optimal positioning have been described. Commonly, after catheter placement, additional manipulation is necessary to connect a burr hole reservoir or shunt components. This manipulation can lead to accidental catheter dislocation and should be avoided. Here, we present a new technique that allows direct endoscopic insertion of a burr hole reservoir with an already mounted ventricle catheter. ⋯ The use of the intracatheter endoscope combined with the modified burr hole reservoir provides a sufficient technique for accurate and safe placement. Connecting the ventricle catheter to the reservoir before the insertion reduces later manipulation and accidental dislocation of the catheter.
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Intraoperative electrophysiology is increasingly used for various lesion resections, both in adult and pediatric brain surgery. Subcortical mapping is often used in adult surgery when lesions lie in proximity to the corticospinal tract (CST). We describe a novel technique of continuous subcortical mapping using an electrified Cavitron UltraSonic Aspirator (CUSA) in children with supratentorial lesions. ⋯ Continuous CUSA-based subcortical stimulation is a feasible mapping technique for assessing proximity to the CST during resection of supratentorial lesions in children. Future studies should be performed to better correlate the current threshold for eliciting a motor response with the distance from the CST, as well as the effect of age on this technique.