World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
Pilocytic Astrocytoma of fornix mimicking a colloid cyst: report of two cases and review of the literature.
Colloid cyst is a gelatin-containing cyst in the brain almost always found in the third ventricle. The specific shape and location of these cysts, a round well-delineated mass in the rostral part of the third ventricle adjacent to the foramen of Monro, on imaging are the main findings for diagnosis. Several masses of the third ventricle masquerading colloid cysts on images have been reported. Based on different surgical approaches, preoperative misdiagnosis of colloid cyst may have great impact on prognosis. ⋯ Fifteen cases of colloid cyst misdiagnosis with other masses have been reported thus far; among them, 2 cases were pilocytic astrocytoma. In this study we report 2 other cases. Furthermore, we discuss additional clues helping to differentiate pilocytic astrocytoma from colloid cyst on images.
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Perioperative complications after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas have been well documented in the literature; however, some complications can occur in a delayed fashion postoperatively, and reports are sparse about their occurrence, management, and outcome. Here, we describe delayed complications after transsphenoidal surgery and discuss the incidence, temporality from the surgery, and management of these complications based on the findings of studies that reported delayed postoperative epistaxis, delayed postoperative cavernous carotid pseudoaneurysm formation and rupture, vasospasm, delayed symptomatic hyponatremia, hypopituitarism, hydrocephalus, and sinonasal complications. ⋯ Sinonasal complications are commonly reported after transsphenoidal surgery, but spontaneous resolutions within 3-12 months have been reported. Although the incidence of some of these complications is low, providing preoperative counseling to patients with pituitary tumors regarding these delayed complications and proper postoperative follow-up planning is an important part of treatment planning.
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is managed across the full spectrum of healthcare, from clinical diagnosis to management of the hemorrhage and associated complications. Knowledge of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of SAH is widely known; however, a full understanding of the underlying molecular, cellular, and circulatory dynamics has still to be achieved. Intracranial complications including delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (vasospasm), rebleed, and hydrocephalus form the targets for initial management. However, the extracranial consequences including hypertension, hyponatremia, and cardiopulmonary abnormalities can frequently arise during the management phase and have shown to directly affect clinical outcome. This review will provide an update on the pathophysiology of SAH, including the intra- and extracranial consequences, with a particular focus on the extracranial consequences of SAH. ⋯ Although the intracranial complications of SAH can take priority in the initial management, the extracranial complications should be monitored for and recognized as early as possible because these complications can develop at varying times throughout the course of the condition. Therefore, a variety of investigations, as described by this article, should be undertaken on admission to maximize early recognition of any of the extracranial consequences. Furthermore, because the extracranial complications have a direct effect on clinical outcome and can lead to and exacerbate the intracranial complications, monitoring, recognizing, and managing these complications in parallel with the intracranial complications is important and would allow optimization of the patient's management and thus help improve their overall outcome.
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Current guidelines for the management of hyponatremia in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are not based on a systematic assessment of the literature. We evaluated published studies on the efficacy and safety of current preventative and treatment strategies for hyponatremia in patients with SAH. ⋯ Current evidence does not demonstrate a benefit of preventative treatment with mineralocorticoids in clinically important outcomes, although a difference cannot be ruled out due to imprecision. Larger well-designed trials are needed to establish the impact of mineralocorticoids and fluid and sodium supplementation strategies on clinically relevant outcomes in the prevention and treatment of hyponatremia in patients with SAH.
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Review Historical Article
Cervical Vertigo: Historical Reviews and Advances.
Vertigo is one of the most common presentations in adult patients. Among the various causes of vertigo, so-called cervical vertigo is still a controversial entity. Cervical vertigo was first thought to be due to abnormal input from cervical sympathetic nerves based on the work of Barré and Liéou in 1928. ⋯ Recent research found that the ingrowth of a large number of Ruffini corpuscles into diseased cervical discs may be related to vertigo of cervical origin. Abnormal neck proprioceptive input integrated from the signals of Ruffini corpuscles in diseased cervical discs and muscle spindles in tense neck muscles secondary to neck pain is transmitted to the central nervous system and leads to a sensory mismatch with vestibular and other sensory information, resulting in a subjective feeling of vertigo and unsteadiness. Further studies are needed to illustrate the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of cervical vertigo and to better understand and manage this perplexing entity.