Role of prophylactic surgery in spinal tuberculosis: A retrospective study from Eastern India.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is broadly classified into pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. Skeletal TB is considered to be a form of extrapulmonary TB whose incidence is around 1% of all forms of TB. The incidence of spinal TB is more than 50% of the entire skeletal TB. Methods: A total of 92 consecutive patients, treated over a period of 2 years (January 2021-January 2023), are retrospectively analyzed. Results: In our study, out of 92 patients, the pain had subsided in 90% of cases, and 12 patients showed improvement in motor power postoperatively. In our study, the patients have benefited due to the surgical intervention in decrease of pain and improvement in motor deficits in patients. The 29 patients who were operated on prophylaxis with pain as the only symptom benefitted from the resolution of the symptom of pain and did not develop any morbidity in their long-term follow-up. The sensory and bladder/bowel symptoms did not improve after surgery. Conclusions: In the author's view, prophylactic surgery for spinal TB is safe and effective with confirmation of the disease. However, a well-designed randomized controlled trial, to definitely and objectively prove the usefulness of prophylactic surgery, is needed.

Cerebral Myiasis Secondary to Burr Hole Evacuation: A Rare Illustrative Case Report.

Myiasis (maggot infestation) is a condition in which fly maggots feed off and develop in the tissues of living organisms. Most common in tropical and subtropical regions, human myiasis, is prevalent among individuals in close association of domestic animals and those inhabiting the unhygienic conditions. We, hereby, describe a rare case of cerebral myiasis (17th in the world, 3rd in India) that presented to our institution in Eastern India secondary in the operated site of craniotomy and burr hole few years back. Cerebral myiases are exceedingly rare conditions, especially in high-income countries with only 17 previously published cases with the reported mortality as high as 6 out of 7 cases dying of the disease. We additionally also present a compiled review of previous case literatures to highlight the comparative clinical, epidemiological features and outcome of such cases. Although rare, brain myiasis should be a differential diagnosis of surgical wound dehiscence in developing countries where conditions do exist in this country that permit myiasis. This differential diagnosis should be remembered, particularly when the classic signs of inflammation are not present.

Thoracic bony human tail in a newborn baby: a rare case and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: The dorsal cutaneous appendage or so-called human tail is considered to be a cutaneous marker of underlying occult dysraphism. CASE PRESENTATION: We are presenting an unusual case of spinal dysraphism with a bony human tail at midthoracic region occurring in a newborn baby with tethered cord (conus at L4). Physical examination was unremarkable except for a thoracic appendage and a dermal sinus over coccyx region. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of spine revealed bony outgrowth arising from D7 posterior element with multiple butterfly-shaped vertebrae found at D2 D4 D8 D9 D10 with low-lying conus at L4-L5 level. Surgical excision of the tail and untethering of the spinal cord along with excision of dermal sinus were performed. The infant had an uneventful postoperative period and was unchanged neurologically. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, no similar case has been reported in English literature till date. DISCUSSION: The specific features of this rare case of human tail treated surgically are discussed in light of the available literature.

Pedunculated Chiari 3 malformation with proatlas defect.

Chiari III malformation is considered to be a rare congenital abnormality in human with very high mortality rates. Seventy percent of Chiari III is found to be associated with C1 arch defect as reported by Cakirer (Clin Imaging 27:1-4, 2003). The herniation of posterior fossa elements or dysplastic neural tissue is a must to stamp it as Chiari 3 malformation. The malformation is a result of the abnormal development of craniovertebral junction (CVJ). The CVJ developed from the occipital somites and the first spinal sclerotome. The major role in the development of the CVJ is played by the fourth occipital somite, which is otherwise known as "proatlas." The Chiari III anomalies are due to a result of proatlas defect, which results from failures of segmentation, failures of fusion of different components of each bone, or hypoplasia and ankylosis. We are presenting a case of a 1-year 4-month-old female child who presented with pedunculated swelling at the suboccipital region. The swelling was cystic and with pulsation. On evaluation, we found Chiari III anomaly with C1 posterior arch deficiency (proatlas defect). He was surgically managed. The outcome of the patient was good. Despite literature concluding Chiari 3 malformation with an unfavorable outcome, however, meticulous management and good pre- and postoperative care, physical therapy, and follow-up are necessary for good outcome.

Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) syndrome with bilateral cerebellar hemangioblastomas and retinal angiomas: A rare presentation.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Hemangioblastomas are benign vascular neoplasms which originate almost exclusively from central nervous system (CNS). They account for 2 % of all intracranial neoplasms, 7 %-12 % of posterior fossa tumours. 60-75 % cases of hemangioblastomas occur sporadically and rest 25 % to 40 % occur in genetically inherited in the autosomal dominant neoplasia syndrome known as Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease with mutation occurring on chromosome 3p. CASE PRESENTATION: We, hereby, report a case of one such rare case of a 30-year old male who presented to us with the complaint of holocranial headache for past 2 months associated with vomiting along with bilateral cerebellar signs and symptoms. MRI Brain revealed multiple cysts with enhancing mural nodules present on both cerebellar hemispheres. Due to recurrence and multi-focality of lesions, VHL syndrome was suspected. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: VHL is a rare autosomal dominant disease. MRI is the gold standard test. It demonstrates specific appearances depending on the tumour anatomy. Hemangioblastoma of the CNS in VHL usually develop from childhood at an age of <10 years or early teen until the age of 30 years. The most common locations for hemangioblastomas in VHL are cerebellum and spinal cord as seen in our patient. CONCLUSION: VHL being a lifelong disease with no cure till date, the patients should be frequently screened for lesions at various potential sites in his/her lifetime so as to provide required intervention at the earliest. Hence, a genetic screening for VHL (VHL tumour suppressor gene), should be performed in cases of hemangioblastoma.

Contrecoup Extradural Hematoma with Coronal Suture Diastasis.

Extradural hematoma (EDH) generally occurs in the site of impact, that is, coup injury site. EDH is associated with fracture of skull in many a times due to direct impact. However, EDH in counter coup site is a rare occurrence. Hardly, yet, 12 cases have been reported including this case. Here, we reported a case of a 22-year-old male of contrecoup acute EDH who had sustained head injury due to fall from bike. Physical examination revealed direct impact at the left occipito-parietal region with laceration of scalp and bruise with transient loss of consciousness at the time of injury. There was no evidence of impact on the right side of his head. Computed tomography scan revealed an EDH in the right fronto-temporal region without any bone fracture on bone windows. On intraoperative exploration, it is found that there was coronal suture diastasis with small subgaleal hematoma and right fronto-temporal extradural hematoma. The evacuation of EDH was done. The patient discharged on 3rd postoperative day. It can be concluded that direct impact on head causes exactly opposite hit of brain, and compensatory rebound causes a negative pressure in between the layers causing disruption of vessels and potential accumulation of blood. This mechanism mostly favors for acute subdural hematoma due to compact attachment of dura with cranium. However, in this case, diastasis of coronal suture due to transmitted force is the cause of accumulation of blood extradurally in relatively loosely adhered dura in fronto-temporal region where a potential negative pressure space is created by contrecoup injury.

Congenital Malrotation of the Atlas with Unilateral Hypertrophy of the Atlanto-occipital Joint-A Rare Anomaly of the Craniovertebral Junction and Its Management.

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies are commonly encountered in the craniovertebral junction because of its unique embryologic development. The craniovertebral junction usually comprises the occiput, atlas, and axis. However, malrotation of the atlas (C1) in between the occiput (C0) and axis (C2) with Chiari I malformation as well as unilateral hypertrophy of the atlanto-occipital joint and a lateral mass manifesting features of high cervical myelopathy is a rarely reported anomaly. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 22-year-old woman presented to us with high cervical compressive myelopathy. Imaging revealed rotation of the C1 vertebra approximately 20° toward the left side with right atlanto-occipital joint dislocation and hypertrophy. Imaging also revealed hypertrophy of a right lateral mass of C1, Chiari I malformation, and right atlantoaxial dislocation exposing the right C2 superior facet. She underwent a right extreme far lateral approach comprising a right C1 posterior arch excision and medialization of the right vertebral artery with excision of the hypertrophied atlanto-occipital joint extradurally and posteromedial excision of the superior articular facet of C1. The patient's compressive myelopathy features improved postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: We report the successful management of this rare congenital anomaly and review the literature.

Intradural Spinal Arachnoid Cyst: A Long-Term Postlaminectomy Complication: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Spinal arachnoid cysts are a rare cause of spinal cord compression. Intradural arachnoid cysts are rarer than extradural arachnoid cysts. Spinal arachnoid cysts are mostly congenital in origin. Arachnoid cysts due to trauma, lumbar puncture, or surgery are rarely reported. Most arachnoid cysts are located posterior to the spinal cord in the thoracic regions. The ideal treatment is laminectomy or laminoplasty with puncture, marsupialization, or excision. But the development of a cervico-thoracic spinal intradural extramedullary arachnoid cyst anteriorly located 28 years after laminectomy is a recognizable complication of laminectomy. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report here a case of a 45-year-old man who underwent C6-T1 laminectomy at the age of 17 years for cervical intervertebral disc prolapse (C6/7, C7/T1) and compressive myelopathy. Twenty-eight years after laminectomy, he developed spastic quadriparesis and was diagnosed with a spinal intradural extramedullary anterior arachnoid cyst at the laminectomy site with compressive myelopathy. CONCLUSIONS: So, although laminectomy with excision is usually practiced to treat spinal arachnoid cysts, laminectomy itself is a cause of development of intradural arachnoid cysts.

Supratentorial extradural hematoma in children: An institutional clinical experience of 65 cases.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To survey the epidemiology, management, and severity of extradural hematoma (EDH) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients of EDH (n = 65) in the age group of 0-16 years admitted to our department during the period of August 13 and July 14 were analyzed retrospectively from the hospital records. In all patients, age, sex, mode of injury, clinical presentation, site of EDH, management, duration of hospitalization, and outcome were evaluated. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: Of 65 patients, males were 70.76% with a male to female ratio of 2.4:1, most of the victims (47.69%) were in the age group of 11-16 years. Mean duration of hospitalization was 4.32 days. The most common mode of injury was fall from height in 29 cases (44.61%) followed by road traffic accident (RTA) in 23 cases (35.35%). Temporoparietal EDH was the most common computed tomography finding present in 22 (33.84%) patients. 67.69% patients presented to casualty with minor head injury having Glasgow coma scale (GCS) between 14 and 15. Most common presenting feature was vomiting in 52 cases (80%) and next to it was altered sensorium. The mortality rate was 7.69% (n = 5). CONCLUSION: Extradural hematoma is a life-threatening entity encountered in pediatric head injury. Timely intervention and diagnosis decrease mortality to a great degree. Most of the mortality is encountered in patients who presented late at the neurosurgical unit with low GCS.

Isolated thoracic (D5) intramedullary epidermoid cyst without spinal dysraphism: A rare case report.

Spinal epidermoid cyst, congenital or acquired, is mainly congenital associated with spinal dysraphism, rarely in isolation. Intramedullary epidermoid cysts (IECs) are rare with less than 60 cases reported so far; isolated variety (i.e., without spinal dysraphism) is still rarer. Complete microsurgical excision is the dictum of surgical treatment. A 14-year-old boy presented with 4-month history of upper backache accompanied with progressive descending paresthesia with paraparesis with early bladder and bowel involvement. His condition deteriorated rapidly making him bedridden. Neurological examination revealed upper thoracic myeloradiculopathy probably of neoplastic origin with sensory localization to D5 spinal level. Digital X-ray revealed no feature suggestive of spinal dysraphism. Contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics clinched the presumptive diagnosis. Near-total microsurgical excision was done leaving behind a small part of the calcified capsule densely adhered to cord. Histopathological features were confirmative of an epidermoid cyst. Postoperatively, he improved significantly with a gain of motor power sufficient to walk without support within a span of 6 months. Spinal IECs, without any specific clinical presentation, are often diagnosed based upon intraoperative and histopathological findings, however early diagnosis is possible on complete MRI valuation. Complete microsurgical excision, resulting in cessation of clinical progression and remission of symptoms, has to be limited to sub-total or near-total excision if cyst is adherent to cord or its confines.

Aqueductal Stenosis Has a New Dimension--Aspergillosis: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral aspergillosis, often encountered in immunocompromised patients, is almost always fatal despite radical surgical and medical management and frequently is a finding at autopsy. Attempts at fungal isolation often are unsuccessful, and a high index of radiologic suspicion is necessary. CASE DESCRIPTION: A premature, 5-month-old female infant, born via normal vaginal delivery, presented with a progressive increase in head size since birth, delayed developmental milestones, and intermittent vomiting for 1 month. There was no history of trauma and no evidence of diabetes mellitus or hypertension, family history of tuberculosis, gestational diabetes, jaundice, or febrile eruptions. Neonatal jaundice was present after day 1, remained for 2 days, and was treated with phototherapy. Findings of the general and systemic examinations were unremarkable. Findings of a neurologic examination revealed a hypoactive infant with papilledema and extensor plantar bilaterally. Computed tomography scan of brain showed hydrocephalus attributable to aqueductal stenosis. On endoscopic third ventriculostomy, dense, friable, whitish yellow, nonvascular masses were encountered in the third ventricle, obstructing it. Her endoscopic third ventriculostomy success score was 10 + 0 + 10 = 20%. Histopathologic examination and culture revealed Aspergillus flavus. A week later, a medium-pressure ventriculoperitoneal shunt was done, and voriconazole was added. RESULTS: At discharge on the 7th postoperative day, 4 weeks and 12 weeks later (ie, first and second follow-up) the child was active, playful, and feeding normally. The first reported case of an aqueductal stenosis due to aspergillosis was in 2000 by van Landeghem FK et al. (Clin Neuropathol 19:26-29, 2000). To the best of our knowledge, this may only be the second reported case of hydrocephalus attributable to aqueductal stenosis caused by Aspergillosis. In conclusion, aspergillosis should not be ruled out as a differential diagnosis in aqueductal stenosis, even when the patient seems to be immunocompetent.

Quantitative analysis of the Kawase versus the modified Dolenc-Kawase approach for middle cranial fossa lesions with variable anteroposterior extension.

OBJECT: The surgical corridor to the upper third of the clivus and ventral brainstem is hindered by critical neurovascular structures, such as the cavernous sinus, petrous apex, and tentorium. The traditional Kawase approach provides a 10 × 5-mm fenestration at the petrous apex of the temporal bone between the 5th cranial nerve and internal auditory canal. Due to interindividual variability, sometimes this area proves to be insufficient as a corridor to the posterior cranial fossa. The authors describe a modification to the technique of the extradural anterior petrosectomy consisting of additional transcavernous exploration and medial mobilization of the cisternal component of the trigeminal nerve. This approach is termed the modified Dolenc-Kawase (MDK) approach. METHODS: The authors describe a volumetric analysis of temporal bones with 3D laser scanning of dry and drilled bones for respective triangles and rhomboid areas, and they compare the difference of exposure with traditional versus modified approaches on cadaver dissection. Twelve dry temporal bones were laser scanned, and mesh-based volumetric analysis was done followed by drilling of the Kawase triangle and MDK rhomboid. Five cadaveric heads were drilled on alternate sides with both approaches for evaluation of the area exposed, surgical freedom, and angle of approach. RESULTS: The MDK approach provides an approximately 1.5 times larger area and 2.0 times greater volume of bone at the anterior petrous apex compared with the Kawase's approach. Cadaver dissection objectified the technical feasibility of the MDK approach, providing nearly 1.5-2 times larger fenestration with improved view and angulation to the posterior cranial fossa. Practical application in 6 patients with different lesions proves clinical applicability of the MDK approach. CONCLUSIONS: The larger fenestration at the petrous apex achieved with the MDK approach provides greater surgical freedom at the Dorello canal, gasserian ganglion, and prepontine area and better anteroposterior angulation than the traditional Kawase approach. Additional anterior clinoidectomy and transcavernous exposure helps in dealing with basilar artery aneurysms.

Quantitative analysis of variable extent of anterior clinoidectomy with intradural and extradural approaches: 3-dimensional analysis and cadaver dissection.

BACKGROUND: Drilling of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) is an integral component of surgical approaches for central and paracentral skull base lesions. The technique to drill ACP has evolved from pure intradural to extradural and combined techniques. OBJECTIVE: To describe the computerized morphometric evaluation of exposure of optic nerve and internal carotid artery with proposed tailored intradural (IDAC) and complete extradural (EDAC) anterior clinoidectomy. METHODS: We describe a morphometric subdivision of ACP into 4 quadrangles and 1 triangle on the basis of fixed bony landmarks. Computerized volumetric analysis with 3-dimensional laser scanning of dry-drilled bones for respective tailored IDAC and EDAC was performed. Both approaches were compared for the area and length of the optic nerve and internal carotid artery. Five cadaver heads were dissected on alternate sides with intradural and extradural techniques to evaluate exposure, surgical freedom, and angulation of approach. RESULTS: Complete anterior clinoidectomy provides a 2.5-times larger area and 2.7-times larger volume of ACP. Complete clinoidectomy deroofed the optic nerve to an equal extent as by proposed the partial tailored clinoidectomy approach. Tailored IDAC exposes only the distal dural ring, whereas complete EDAC exposes both the proximal and distal dural rings with complete exposure of the carotid cave. CONCLUSION: Quantitative comparative evaluation provides details of exposure and surgical ease with both techniques. We promote hybrid/EDAC technique for vascular pathologies because of better anatomic orientation. Extradural clinoidectomy is the preferred technique for midline cranial neoplasia. An awareness of different variations of clinoidectomy can prevent dependency on any particular approach and facilitate flexibility.

Neurosurgery apps: novel knowledge boosters.

AIM: The utilization of technology for purpose of imparting knowledge, especially in high-end branches like neurosurgery, has gained prominence in the contemporary academic scenario. The technological advancements have brought about outstanding transformation to education and patient care. The connectivity through smartphone applications (apps) has transcended the spatial and temporal limitations, thereby enabling easy access to virtually infinite storehouse of knowledge. Although there are numerous neurosurgery related apps, yet there is still a dearth of quality apps that may serve the purpose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant apps were searched and evaluated on PlayStore and Apple App store, based on their content, user interface, performance, and utility in routine practice and compared with their cost, size and popularity. They were categorized into apps related to textbooks, scoring systems, patient education, operative procedures, blogs, journals, conferences and promotional. RESULTS: 159 relevant apps were hosted on App stores; 54.7% apps were free of cost. "Neuromind" was the most downloaded app because of its simplicity, free access and applicability. Students and practitioners prefer various apps linked to scoring systems, textbooks and operative illustrations. Apps have helped patients in better understanding of their diseases and management options. CONCLUSION: Development of web-based technologies has divided medical professionals into traditional and modernized learners. Mobile apps permit knowledge to be structured visually to facilitate its easy diffusion in the peer community. A technologically demanding branch like Neurosurgery inevitably needs innovative, cost effective apps with trust worthy content. Relevant apps have a high potential to be used as an excellent resource for effectual neurosurgical education beyond the limitations of time and place.

Free-access open-source e-learning in comprehensive neurosurgery skills training.

BACKGROUND: Since the end of last century, technology has taken a front seat in dispersion of medical education. Advancements of technology in neurosurgery and traditional training methods are now being challenged by legal and ethical concerns of patient safety, resident work-hour restriction and cost of operating-room time. To supplement the existing neurosurgery education pattern, various e-learning platforms are introduced as structured, interactive learning system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study focuses on the concept, formulation, development and impact of web based learning platforms dedicated to neurosurgery discipline to disseminate education, supplement surgical knowledge and improve skills of neurosurgeons. 'Neurosurgery Education and Training School (NETS), e-learning platform' has integration of web-based technologies like 'Content Management System' for organizing the education material and 'Learning Management System' for updating neurosurgeons. NETS discussion forum networks neurosurgeons, neuroscientists and neuro-technologists across the globe facilitating collaborative translational research. RESULTS: Multi-authored neurosurgical e-learning material supplements the deficiencies of regular time-bound education. Interactive open-source, global, free-access e-learning platform of NETS has around 1) 425 visitors/month from 73 countries; ratio of new visitors to returning visitors 42.3; 57.7 (2); 64,380 views from 190 subscribers for surgical videos, 3-D animation, graphics based training modules (3); average 402 views per post. CONCLUSION: The e-Learning platforms provide updated educational content that make them "quick, surf, find and extract" resources. e-Learning tools like web-based education, social interactive platform and question-answer forum will save unnecessary expenditure of time and travel of neurosurgeons seeking knowledge. The need for free access platforms is more pronounced for the neurosurgeons and patients in developing nations.

Large vertex meningoencephalocele with schizencephaly: An interesting case with neurosurgical challenge.

An encephalocele is a developmental disorder of neural tube closure, where as schizencephaly is a developmental disorder of neuronal migration. There are only few case reports suggesting association of schizencephaly with meningoencephalocele. We report a case of 6-year-old child who was brought by her parent with complaints of progressive swelling over her vertex since birth, left sided hemiparesis and intermittent generalized tonic clonic convulsion for last 3 years. Clinical examination, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain revealed a large calvarial defect with meningoencephalocele and associated schizencephaly. Initially, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was carried out, followed by successful repairing of the defect. This case is interesting for late presentation, management difficulties and associated anomalies "schizencephaly", which is a rare developmental disorder.

Practical guidelines for setting up neurosurgery skills training cadaver laboratory in India.

Though the necessity of cadaver dissection is felt by the medical fraternity, and described as early as 600 BC, in India, there are no practical guidelines available in the world literature for setting up a basic cadaver dissection laboratory for neurosurgery skills training. Hands-on dissection practice on microscopic and endoscopic procedures is essential in technologically demanding modern neurosurgery training where ethical issues, cost constraints, medico-legal pitfalls, and resident duty time restrictions have resulted in lesser opportunities to learn. Collaboration of anatomy, forensic medicine, and neurosurgery is essential for development of a workflow of cadaver procurement, preservation, storage, dissection, and disposal along with setting up the guidelines for ethical and legal concerns.