MRI Characteristics of Split Cord Malformation.

Split cord malformation (SCM), a subtype of spinal dysraphism, represents a rare entity of congenital malformation in the spine that occurs rarely in adults. SCM commonly presents with back pain. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis. We report a case of a previously healthy 25-year-old woman who presented with lower back pain for a duration of 6 months. MRI confirmed a diagnosis of type I SCM. This case highlights the neuroimaging characteristics of SCM, although it might remain asymptomatic for many years. Surgical intervention might not be indicated in case of absent clinical complications.

Trigeminal Neuropathy Ascribed to a Probable Intrinsic Brainstem Schwannoma of the Pons: A Case Report.

Brainstem schwannomas are very rare, only 11 cases have been reported in the literature so far. We report a small intraparenchymal brainstem schwannoma of the pons, in a 37-year-old female patient who presented with a four-day history of numbness at the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve on the left side of her face. Trigeminal neuralgia was diagnosed, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a small intraparenchymal lesion at the level of the nuclei of the left trigeminal nerve present at the junction between the pons and left brachium pontis. A biopsy wasn't feasible in this small lesion. We discuss the keen radiological features that helped in the presumptive diagnosis of an intrinsic brainstem schwannoma, with both intra- and extra-axial components. Our case had the earliest presentation and the smallest probable brainstem schwannoma reported so far, as well as its unique symptomatology of trigeminal neuralgia related to both the nucleus and the nerve of the fifth cranial nerve (CN V).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnosis of Choroidal Melanoma.

Choroidal melanoma has a very rare incidence in Africa and Asia, especially in the Middle East. We report the first case of choroidal melanoma in Lebanon in a 33-year-old man presenting with progressive loss of vision in his right eye. MRI showed retinal detachment with evidence of a nodular-like lesion most consistent with choroidal melanoma. The patient underwent enucleation of the right eye globe and the diagnosis was confirmed on pathology.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Neurosurgery Research Productivity in Arab Countries Between 2005 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: The Arab world is lagging behind in the world of publications and research, especially in the biomedical-related field. This is a bibliometric analysis that aims to assess the neurosurgical research productivity across different Arab countries. METHODS: PubMed was used to quantify the number of neurosurgery-related articles published by each Arab country, by several journals, investigating specific topics between 2005 and 2019. Numbers were normalized with respect to each country's average population and average gross domestic product (GDP). RESULTS: Arab countries contributed 0.53% of total neurosurgery publications. Egypt had the highest number of neurosurgery-related publications (362), ahead of Saudi Arabia (238) and Lebanon (133). In terms of publications per million persons, Lebanon was first with 21.6 publications per million persons. In terms of GDP, Egypt ranked first with 18.85 publications per million $. There was an insignificant correlation between the number of publications on one hand and the average GDP (P = 0.09) on the other hand, whereas the average population explains around 50% of the neurosurgery-related publications (R squared = 0.49, P < 0.01). Neoplasms were the dominating area of research, and the WORLD NEUROSURGERY journal had the highest number of publications. CONCLUSIONS: The results reached by this study reflect an undoubtable need for more research on neurosurgery by Arab countries. This goes back to the different obstacles facing Arab countries every day, affecting the economic, educational, and health care systems.

Association of Silicosis and Dermatomyositis: Case Report and Literature Review.

The association between silicosis and autoimmune diseases is not uncommon. Silicosis is well correlated with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, cases of dermatomyositis associated with silicosis are relatively understudied. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with a history of cardiac, respiratory, and systemic symptoms for the duration of a year, who present to the ER with acute dyspnea, fever, chest pain, and dry cough, and was diagnosed with silicosis and dermatomyositis. In this case report, we discuss the workup done in order to reach the diagnosis, as well as the pathological mechanism that might have led to the emergence of those two entities in the same patient.