World Neurosurg
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Pituicytoma is a rare tumor originating from glial cells of the adult neurohypophysis and infundibulum. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for this neoplasm. In recent years the endoscopic endonasal approach has proven to be a viable and effective alternative to standard craniotomy. ⋯ An intrasellar pseudoaneurysm can endanger the endoscopic removal of the pituicytoma, forcing the surgeon to reevaluate a microscopic transcranial approach or to consider a staged procedure.
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Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder of adults, affecting an estimated 7 million Americans. Symptoms of ET range from slightly noticeable to debilitating, with 1 cohort study finding 15% of patients were forced into early retirement. Additionally, depression has also been correlated with the severity of disability of ET. Treatment options include propranolol and primidone. Current treatment options are not very effective, with more than half (56.3%) of patients discontinuing medications because of no changes in symptoms. ⋯ With a better side-effect profile and success in a physiologically related condition, we propose more clinical trials and research be carried out on intrathecal baclofen as a potential treatment option, especially drug refractory ET, so as to increase the quality of life of this patient population.
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The use of hyperosmolar agents, such as mannitol or hypertonic saline (HTS), to control high intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injury has been well studied. However, the role of HTS in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)-associated increased ICP is still unclear. ⋯ The current evidence suggests that HTS is as effective as mannitol at reducing increased ICP in aSAH. However, there is not enough data to recommend the optimal and safest dose concentration or whether HTS significantly improves outcomes in aSAH.
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Review Case Reports
Intraventricular Cavernomas of the Third Ventricle: Report of Two Cases and a Systematic Review of the Literature.
Intraventricular cavernous malformations are relatively rare benign vascular malformations. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with headache, seizure, hemorrhage, or neurologic deficits. We report 2 cases of patients with cavernomas in the third ventricle and at the foramen of Monro. We also performed a systematic review of the literature to examine the clinical features and efficacy of the current standard of care for these lesions. ⋯ The specific location of the cavernoma determines clinical features seen and approach used in surgical resection. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting was not required in most cases, as hydrocephalus improved with removal of the obstruction at the foramen of Monro. Gross total resection appears to be the optimal management strategy in symptomatic patients and leads to a good outcome in most cases.
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Radiation-induced malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are an uncommon late risk of irradiation. We conducted the largest systematic review to date of individual patient data for patients with these tumors. ⋯ The prognosis of radiation-induced and radiation-associated MPNST was worse than that reported for de novo MPNSTs. Surgical complete resection is the mainstay for treatment of radiation-induced and radiation-associated MPNSTs. The risk of incidence of secondary MPNSTs in patients treated with radiotherapy warrants longer follow-up periods.