World Neurosurg
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Postcraniotomy infections have generally been treated by debridement of infected tissues, disposal of the bone flap, and delayed cranioplasty several months later to repair the resulting skull defect. Debridement followed by retention of the bone flap has also been advocated. Here we propose an alternative operative strategy for the treatment of postcraniotomy infections. ⋯ Surgical debridement, bone flap disposal, and immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty may be a suitable option for the treatment of postcraniotomy infections. This treatment strategy facilitates the eradication of infectious sources and obviates the risks and costs associated with a second surgical procedure.
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Review Case Reports
Vertebral brown tumors causing neurologic compromise.
Brown tumors are nonneoplastic lesions that occur only in the setting of hyperparathyroidism. Although vertebral brown tumors are relatively rare pathologic entities, their incidence seems to be on the rise, as evidenced by multiple case reports published during the past four decades. An extensive review of these lesions is lacking in the literature. We present a case of paraparesis secondary to vertebral brown tumor followed by a detailed review of the literature. ⋯ In patients presenting with a lytic vertebral lesion and known hyperparathyroidism or end-stage renal disease, brown tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In select cases with minimal neurologic symptoms, parathyroidectomy may be warranted prior to neurosurgical intervention.
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Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic infection in the central nervous system and the most common cause of acquired neurological symptoms in young adults living in developing countries. Many "asymptomatic" patients begin experiencing neurological symptoms after the use of antiparasitic drugs for gastrointestinal treatment. Patients who are previously diagnosed with NCC require special care during cysticidal treatment because of the inflammatory effects caused by the interaction between the drug, the parasite, and the host. ⋯ Anthelminthic drug treatment requires tailor-based prescription considering risk-benefit ratio with the drug-parasite-host interaction in mind. Treatment is not harmless so patients have to be closely watched. In select cases, medical treatment cannot replace surgical procedures, which can be the primary approach with drug treatment as a complement.