World Neurosurg
-
Fusiform aneurysms are challenging lesions to manage given their poorly understood natural history and lack of a distinct neck. Historically, they have been treated surgically but endovascular management has recently evolved as a viable alternative. In this case, we describe a novel flow diversion technique for treatment of a fusiform anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysm by jailing the compromised parent vessel obtaining endovascular aneurysm trapping. ⋯ This case illustrates the efficacy of the Pipeline Embolization Device for treatment of a fusiform anterior circulation aneurysm via remodeling the circle of Willis.
-
Radiofrequency rhizotomy (RFR) is a commonly used, effective procedure for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), but a subset of patients experiences pain recurrence and requires subsequent surgeries. Currently, the rhizotomy temperature and duration of application are empirically determined, and there is no consensus on what settings are most beneficial. In this study, we analyzed patients who underwent trigeminal RFR and had subsequent surgeries to identify whether rhizotomy parameters were associated with the duration of pain relief. ⋯ Higher temperatures may be necessary to achieve pain relief in some patients, given the progressive nature of the facial pain, but they are not associated with longer duration of pain relief in patients who have recurrent pain. Modulation of the ablation duration does not seem to affect the short-term or long-term outcomes.
-
Pituitary adenomas (PA) are usually benign neoplasms. Chiari I malformation (CIM) is an uncommon finding. Isolated cases associating functional PA and CIM have been reported. The concomitant presence of a nonfunctional PA and a CIM has not yet been described in the literature. ⋯ This is the first reported case of a concomitant CIM and a nonfunctional PA. We discuss our successful management and conduct a systematic review of the literature to provide the most up-to-date guidance on managing these singular cases with concomitant pathologic conditions.
-
We evaluated the factors influencing overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in children with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs). ⋯ Achieving gross total resection should be the aim of surgery, depending on the tumor location, and these children should undergo upfront adjuvant treatment.
-
The diagnosis and timely treatment of shunt infections (SI) in children is of paramount importance. In some cases, the standard cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) variables will not be sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of SI. CSF lactate (LCSF) has been found to assist in differentiating bacterial from nonbacterial meningitis in non-neurosurgical patients. To the best of our knowledge, the use of lactate in diagnosing or confirming the presence of SI has not yet been discussed. The goal of the present study was to describe the role of LCSF levels in children with shunts and Ommaya reservoirs and to evaluate its role in the accurate diagnosis of shunt-related infection. ⋯ LCSF levels can be used as an additional chemical marker for the diagnosis and confirmation of SIs. An LCSF value of <2.95 mmol/L had a high negative predictive value.