World Neurosurg
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To assess the value and limitation of cervical traction in the evaluation of the reducibility of atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) and basilar invagination (BI) using the intraoperative O-arm. ⋯ With the innovations of direct posterior reduction techniques, cervical traction under anesthesia may not sufficiently predict the reducibility of BI and AAD. Cervical traction still plays an important role during the direct posterior reduction procedure.
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Neurosurgical operating rooms are equipped with microscopes in order to provide a good standard of care. Nevertheless, in developing countries, microscopes are not always available. During a short period in a western Africa hospital, we adapted our smartphones as a valid alternative to the microscope. ⋯ This simple "smartphone-based exoscope" allows surgeons to get an adequate magnification during surgery when microscopes or magnification goggles are not available. It can be a useful solution in developing countries where often nothing better is available.
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Case Reports
Lymphoma Metastasis to a vertebral Body Hemangioma: Collision Tumor Causing Cord Compression.
Collision tumors of the spine are extremely uncommon. Prior reports have detailed intracranial collision tumors comprising meningiomas and astrocytomas, as well as metastases to meningiomas. Spinal collision tumors are even rarer, with only 5 cases in the literature, none involving the osseous spine. In this report, we highlight the salient features of a case of lymphoma metastasis to a preexisting benign osseous hemangioma, resulting in cord compression. ⋯ Collision tumors of the spine are extremely rare. New or increasingly aggressive appearance of a previously benign spinal osseous lesion should prompt consideration for a collision tumor or malignant transformation of the benign tumor. Biopsy of the lesion should be strongly pursued whenever feasible, as the treatment strategy may vary depending on the histology of the tumor.
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Although the clinical course of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is generally benign, in unusual cases it can result in deterioration of consciousness. The exact mechanisms involved have not always been described in previously reported cases. ⋯ SIH should be recognized as a possible cause of coma as a result of deep cerebral vein stagnation due to severe brain sagging. A change in the vein of Galen/straight sinus angle may be an anatomic marker associated with functional venous stenosis.
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Case Reports
Pipeline Embolization Device For Treatment of Craniocervical Internal Carotid Artery Dissections.
Dissecting pseudoaneurysms of the craniocervical circulation are uncommon, accounting for only 3% of all cerebral aneurysms. These aneurysms pose a challenge due to their location and anatomic configuration. The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a flow diversion technique that successfully treats aneurysms by diverting blood flow away from the aneurysm and reconstructing the diseased parent artery by altering its hemodynamics. ⋯ PED placement offers a safe and effective method of treating spontaneous or traumatic craniocervical carotid artery dissections with excellent neurologic outcomes postoperatively and complete long-term aneurysmal occlusion.