World Neurosurg
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Rathke cleft cyst (RCC) can cause acute symptoms mimicking pituitary adenoma (PA) apoplexy. We evaluated the clinicoradiologic features for distinguishing RCC from PA apoplexy. ⋯ RCC with apoplexy-like symptoms has different clinicoradiologic features compared with PA apoplexy. Patients with RCC present with milder ocular symptoms and smaller tumor volumes compared with those with PA apoplexy. The absence of nodular enhancement on MR images could suggest RCC.
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Surgical brain injury caused by brain retraction is a well-known consequence of intracranial surgery. Modern retractor designs, particularly since the 1980s, have significantly improved ease of use, improved visibility for surgeons, and minimized retraction-induced injuries, though not yet been entirely eliminated. ⋯ Traditionally, self-retaining brain retractors with moveable arms and 1 or more attachable blades made from malleable stainless steel or silicone rubber have been the tool of choice; however, recently tubular retraction systems that only require fixation to the head frame and cause less focal pressure damage than older retractors have gained in popularity for some cases. This review aims to address the history of brain retraction and discuss each of the commonly used brain retractor types, as well as some newer and less common varieties especially in terms of the extent of tissue damage typically caused as well as the types of injuries reported by the users.
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The cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) results from the distal embolization of cholesterol crystals from atheromatous plaques in large vessels such as the aorta and results in multiorgan damage. ⋯ Our patient with CES had cutaneous involvement affecting the lower limbs and renal and neurological involvement. High clinical suspicion and early treatment can reduce the mortality and morbidity after endovascular procedures. The neurological symptoms had most likely resulted from delayed cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome resulting in intracerebral hemorrhage.
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In this study we present the nature and characteristic of the fluctuation of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals measured from brain tumors. ⋯ The power spectra of BOLD signals from tumor tissue showed fluctuations in the low-frequency signals and were significantly correlated with tumor grade. These signals could have a misleading effect when analyzing resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging and could be also viewed as a potential method of tumor characterization.