World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
Prolonged Intracisternal Papaverine Toxicity: index case description and proposed mechanism of action.
Intracisternal papaverine (iPPV) is a vasodilator used for prophylaxis of intraoperative vasospasm during aneurysmal clipping. Postoperative side effects of iPPV include transient cranial nerve palsies, most commonly mydriasis owing to oculomotor nerve involvement, with rapid resolution. ⋯ We propose that these factors perpetuate phase dynamics of papaverine crystals and facilitate a sustained slow release of papaverine within the cisternal system. Were it indicated, 0.3% iPPV would reasonably diminish the risk for neurotoxicity.
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The most common birth-associated head injuries during vaginal delivery are cephalhematomas and subgaleal hematomas. Cranial injuries are rarely encountered. The neonate cranium is soft and pliable, and greenstick skull fractures (GSFs) are expected to be more frequent than linear or depressed fractures, but they are extremely difficult to detect with simple skull radiography. As a result, no reports have been issued on this topic to date. Recent reports suggest that technological advances in 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) have successfully enhanced the diagnostic accuracy for cranial fractures. The authors researched the types and characteristics of GSFs and the diagnostic accuracy of 3D CT for cranial fractures in neonates. ⋯ GSFs rather than linear fractures were found to account for most cranial injuries among neonates. The diagnostic accuracy of 3D CT was considerably superior than simple skull radiography, but the high radiation exposure levels of 3D CT warrant the need for development of a modality with lower radiation exposure.
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Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are rare. Compared with adult IAs, they are more commonly giant, fusiform, or dissecting. Treatment often proves more complex, and recurrence rate and de novo aneurysmogenesis incidence are higher. A consensus regarding the most appropriate algorithm for following pediatric IAs is lacking. ⋯ We propose incidental untreated IAs to be followed by magnetic resonance angiography without contrast enhancement. Follow-up modality and interval for treated pediatric IAs is determined by initial aneurysmal complexity, treatment modality, and degree of posttreatment obliteration. Recurrence or de novo aneurysmogenesis requiring treatment should be followed by digital subtraction angiography and appropriate retreatment. Computed tomography angiography is preferred for clipped IAs, whereas contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is preferred for lesions treated endovascularly with coil embolization and lesions treated microsurgically in a manner other than clipping.
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Review
Radiosurgery for Treatment of Renal Cell Metastases to Spine: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to increase, and the spine is the most common site for bony metastasis. Radiation therapy is one treatment for spinal RCC metastasis. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a newer treatment that reportedly has benefits over conventional external beam radiotherapy. This study systematically reviewed the current literature on SBRT for metastatic RCC to spine. ⋯ Use of SBRT for spinal metastasis from RCC resulted in significant local control and pain outcomes. There is a risk of VCF with SBRT; however, treatment seems to be well tolerated with few serious side effects. There is continued need for long-term prospective studies investigating the optimal role of SBRT in the treatment algorithm of RCC spinal metastases.
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Surgical treatment of patients with atlantoaxial instability caused by pathologic changes of the skull base and craniovertebral junction combined with anterior compression of the brain stem is still associated with substantial technical difficulties and remains a matter of debate. Currently, anterior stabilization of the atlantoaxial junction is a promising approach that allows for the resection of the pathologic lesion of the skull base and craniovertebral junction with subsequent stabilization of C1-C2 or C1-C3 in 1 stage. ⋯ The first experience of anterior fixation using individually manufactured C1-C2 and C1-C3 systems demonstrated their effectiveness. This approach can be safely used as an alternative or in combination with standard posterior stabilization methods. An innovative surgical technology developed and implemented in our surgical practice allows for optimization of the surgical technique, reduces the number of perioperative complications, eliminates movement restrictions in the cervical spine, improves motor activity, and makes earlier patient rehabilitation possible.