Utility of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Moroccan children.

SETTING: The utility of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test, in diagnosing active tuberculosis (TB) in children is unclear and depends on the epidemiological setting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of QFT-GIT for TB diagnosis in children living in Morocco, an intermediate TB incidence country with high bacille Calmette-Gurin vaccination coverage. DESIGN: We prospectively recruited 109 Moroccan children hospitalised for clinically suspected TB, all of whom were tested using QFT-GIT. RESULTS: For 81 of the 109 children, the final diagnosis was TB. The remaining 28 children did not have TB. QFT-GIT had a sensitivity of 66% (95%CI 5277) for the diagnosis of TB, and a specificity of 100% (95%CI 88100). The tuberculin skin test (TST) had lower sensitivity, at 46% (95%CI 3360), and its concordance with QFT-GIT was limited (69%). Combining QFT-GIT and TST results increased sensitivity to 83% (95%CI 6992). CONCLUSION: In epidemiological settings such as those found in Morocco, QFT-GIT is more sensitive than the TST for active TB diagnosis in children. Combining the TST and QFT-GIT would be useful for the diagnosis of active TB in children, in combination with clinical, radiological and laboratory data.

Surgical management of giant lumbar disc herniation: analysis of 154 patients over a decade.

BACKGROUND: We describe a decade of our experience in the surgical management of patients with giant lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (GILID). METHODS: This is a case series of patients operated for a GILID between 2000 and 2009. Among 1334 patients eligible for the present study: 154 patients presented with GILID (study group) and 1180 patients without GILID (control group). Clinical symptoms and preoperative imaging results were obtained from medical records. Complications and long-term results were assessed. RESULTS: This retrospective study documents the characteristic features between patients with and without GILID. The difference in the incidence of female patients was statistically significant between the study group and the control group as was the mean duration of symptoms, hyperalgic radicular pain, bilaterality of symptoms, preoperative motor deficit, central location of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), contained herniation and recurrence of LDH. CONCLUSIONS: GILIDs are a distinct entity: they are distinctly uncommon compared with smaller herniations, patients were statistically more likely to be hyperalgic with bilateral radicular pain and often associated with neurological deficits. The majority of patients do not display a cauda equina syndrome (CES). Low lumbar disc sites are mostly affected and disc fragments are more likely to be central-uncontained. The recurrence rate is lower for GILIDs.

[Cryptococcal meningitis in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and monitoring for pulmonary sarcoidosis]. / Cryptococcose neuroméningée chez un patient porteur d'une valve de dérivation ventriculo-péritonéale suivi pour sarcoïdose pulmonaire.

The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans can cause common opportunistic infection in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. But other conditions can be associated with sarcoidosis. Meningoencephalitis is the most common manifestation of this disease. One of the most important neurological complications is the development of intracranial hypertension (ICH), which may result in high morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a patient harboring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and having contracted a cryptococcal meningitis as a risk factor for pulmonary sarcoidosis. Brain MRI showed arachnoiditis, with a mass in contact with the right frontal horn. Indian ink staining of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed positivity that was confirmed by the identification of Cryptococcus neoformans after culture. The evolution was favorable under medical treatment with removal of material. The relationship between sarcoidosis and cryptococcosis, described in the literature is not coincidental but is a rare complication of sarcoidosis of potential severity (40% of mortality). Sarcoidosis is a common systemic disease that may increase host susceptibility to CNS cryptococcal infection without any other signs or symptoms of host immunosuppression. The diagnosis of cryptococcosis should be evoked as a differential diagnosis of neuro-sarcoidosis.

Bacteriological features of infectious spondylodiscitis at Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital of Rabat

To review the bacteriological features of infectious spondylodiscitis and provide recommendations for the initial therapy which remains empirical in our context. Retrospective study including patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis over a period of 4 years (2006-2009) at the Rabat Military Teaching Hospital. During the study period, we analysed 30 cases: the mean age was 49.9 years and 21 cases (70%) were male. The patients were predominantly hospitalized in neurosurgery department (15/30) followed by rheumatology department (10/30). The site of infection was lumbar in 21 cases (21/30), dorsal in 7 cases (7/30). 26 cultures were positive of which 19 (19/26) were monomicrobial. Tuberculosis (TB) was implicated in 10 cases (10/30) including 4 cases in association with common organisms (Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium species). Brucella melitensis was isolated in 1 case. Infections caused by pyogenic bacteria were isolated in 15 cases of which 12 (12/15) revealed simple organisms including Gram-positive cocci in 9 cases (9/12) with 3 cases of S. aureus and Gram-negative bacilli in 3 cases (3/12) with 2 cases of P. aeruginosa. Blood cultures carried out for 16 patients were positive in 7 cases. The anatomopathologic exams carried out for 20 patients found in 6 cases epithelioid granulomata and giants cells with caseous necrosis in total concordance with TB culture. TB is the most frequent cause of spondylodiscitis in Morocco. Our study found the same frequency for non-specific and specific germs. Empirical treatment must take into account S. aureus and M. tuberculosis.

Unsuspected spondylolysis in patients with lumbar disc herniation on MRI: The usefulness of posterior epidural fat.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) at the level of non-displaced spondylolysis (isthmic spondylolisthesis) is an uncommon association rarely evaluated in the literature. In this study, authors examine whether the continuous posterior epidural fat between the dura mater and spinous process (continuous double-hump sign) at the level of LDH is a valuable tool to identify patients with non-displaced spondylolysis on MRI. METHODS: Eighteen patients (group 1) presented at our department (2000-2010) with a LDH associated with an undiagnosed non-displaced spondylolysis on MRI. Spondylolysis was confirmed by direct visualization of the defect on CT-scan, dynamic radiography, MRI or at surgery. To validate this method, we made the same evaluation in 20 surgically treated patients (group 2) with a one-level LDH without spondylolysis. RESULTS: In all patients of group 1 spondylolysis was unsuspected on the MRI report. However, a positive "continuous double-hump sign" was seen in 16 patients. The spondylolysis was recognized on MRI in six cases, on CT-scan in nine cases and on dynamic radiography in one case. Two cases were diagnosed surgically. In group 2, only one patient had a positive "continuous double-hump sign". This new sign had a specificity of 95%, sensitivity of 88.88%, and accuracy of 92.10% for diagnosis of non-displaced spondylolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Non-displaced spondylolysis may be associated with adjacent LDH. Although uncommon, it is important for neurosurgeons to be aware of this association because of its implication on the therapeutical management. MRI is not always sufficient to recognize a non-displaced spondylolysis with certainty; however "continuous double-hump sign" may be used as a simple valuable diagnosis tool.

[Neuro-encephalic features of tuberous sclerosis complex]. / Les manifestations neuro-encéphaliques de la sclérose tubéreuse de Bourneville.

Tuberous sclerosis is a phacomatosis resulting from an autosomal dominant inheritance. It is characterized by the presence of multiple hamartomas in various organs, especially the brain, the skin, the kidneys and the heart. The diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis is based on imaging and clinical examination, where magnetic resonance imaging constitutes the key investigation showing characteristic brain lesions. Neuro-encephalic manifestations may be particularly severe, and may even be life threatening. The authors report personal cases series and review the literature highlighting epidemiology, clinical features and imaging of neuro-encephalic tuberous sclerosis.

Chronic rhinorrhea revealing an actinomycotic rhinolithiasis with ectopic tooth.

Intranasal ectopic tooth is a rare nidus for a rhinolith where local infection may be concomitant. No description of the triple association 'actinomycotic rhinolithiasis ectopic tooth' could be found in the medical literature. Classically, the Actinomyces species are sensitive to regimens of penicillin from 6 to 12 months or longer. Immunocompetent patients can benefit from shorter courses of antibiotic therapy, such as ciprofloxacin, with a favourable outcome. The authors describe the case of a 25-year-old man who presented with an actinomycosis chronic discharge revealing actinomycosis associated with rhinolithiasis and ectopic tooth. They attempt to explain the likely mechanism of occurrence of this triple association.

[Neuroepithelial thalamo-mesencephalic cyst]. / Kyste neuroépithélial thalamo-mésencéphalique.

Thalamo-mesencephalic neuroepithelial cysts are rare lesions of the central nervous system. They are thought to arise from neuroectoderm and are also referred to as ependymal cysts due to their origin. It can remain asymptomatic throughout life or rarely can cause symptoms. We describe a 42-year-old woman who presented with thalamic syndrome due to a neuroepithelial cyst of the thalamo-midbrain. Differential diagnosis is made with other cystic lesions in the brain. However a good analysis of imaging feature led to diagnosis. When the lesion is symptomatic, mini-invasive procedure is indicated.

Bacteriological features of infectious spondylodiscitis at Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital of Rabat.

To review the bacteriological features of infectious spondylodiscitis and provide recommendations for the initial therapy which remains empirical in our context. Retrospective study including patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis over a period of 4 years (2006-2009) at the Rabat Military Teaching Hospital. During the study period, we analysed 30 cases: the mean age was 49.9 years and 21 cases (70%) were male. The patients were predominantly hospitalized in neurosurgery department (15/30) followed by rheumatology department (10/30). The site of infection was lumbar in 21 cases (21/30), dorsal in 7 cases (7/30). 26 cultures were positive of which 19 (19/26) were monomicrobial. Tuberculosis (TB) was implicated in 10 cases (10/30) including 4 cases in association with common organisms (Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium species). Brucella melitensis was isolated in 1 case. Infections caused by pyogenic bacteria were isolated in 15 cases of which 12 (12/15) revealed simple organisms including Gram-positive cocci in 9 cases (9/12) with 3 cases of S. aureus and Gram-negative bacilli in 3 cases (3/12) with 2 cases of P. aeruginosa. Blood cultures carried out for 16 patients were positive in 7 cases. The anatomopathologic exams carried out for 20 patients found in 6 cases epithelioid granulomata and giants cells with caseous necrosis in total concordance with TB culture. TB is the most frequent cause of spondylodiscitis in Morocco. Our study found the same frequency for non-specific and specific germs. Empirical treatment must take into account S. aureus and M. tuberculosis.

[Nasoethmoidal psammomatoid cemento-ossifiying fibroma with intraorbital extension]. / Fibrome cémento-ossifiant psammomateux nasoéthmoïdal à extension orbitaire.

INTRODUCTION: Psammomatoid cemento-ossifying fibroma (PCOF) is a rare benign fibro-osseous lesion. It affects the maxilla, the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and the ethmoid. It is slow-growing, progressive, and benign but it can be locally extended and mimic a malignant tumor. OBSERVATION: We report the unusual case of a 36-year-old woman with a nasal and ethmoid PCOF with orbital and endocranial extension. The tumor was revealed by exophthalmia and nasal obstruction. The diagnosis was proven histologicaly on biopsies. The treatment was transfacial surgery. There was no recurrence 1 year later. DISCUSSION: Intraorbital and endocranial extension of PCOF are rare aggressive behaviours. Histologically, the differential diagnosis is difficult between fibrous dysplasia or psammomatoid meningioma. Complete surgical excision is necessary to prevent recurrence.

Textiloma: an uncommon complication of posterior lumbar surgery.

A surgical sponge or cotton swab that is inadvertently left behind in a surgical wound eventually becomes a "textiloma". Such foreign material (also called "gossypiboma") can cause a foreign-body reaction in the surrounding tissue. Textiloma is mostly asymptomatic in chronic cases, but can be confused with other soft-tissue masses. Therefore, it is important to be aware of patients who present with a paraspinal soft-tissue mass and unusual or atypical symptoms. Imaging is helpful for arriving at the correct diagnosis. Here, we describe a case of textiloma in which the patient presented with low-back pain 6 years after laminectomy and lumbar discectomy. Spinal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass lesion in the posterior paravertebral region.

Influence of cranial morphology on the location of chronic subdural haematoma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between cranial morphology and location of a chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) in patients with and without intracranial vault asymmetry. METHOD: The study was conducted in 110 consecutive adult patients who underwent surgery for CSDH. The relationship between the following variables and CSDH was studied: sex, age, past medical history, history of trauma, interval between head injury and symptoms, clinical presentation, location of the CSDH, symmetry of the frontal and occipital intracranial vault on the CT scan and/or MR images, surgical treatment and outcome. Throughout the analysis, p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. FINDINGS: The frontal cranial vault was symmetrical in 48 patients (43.6%) and asymmetrical in 62 patients (56.4%). CSDH was more commonly bilateral in patients with a symmetrical frontal cranial vault than those with an asymmetrical shape (41.7% vs 17.7% and this difference is statistically significant (p = 0.01). In 62 patients with an asymmetric frontal skull vault, the CSDH was bilateral in 11 patients. In the remaining 51 patients, the CSDH was located on the same side of the most curved frontal convexity in 34 patients and on the side of the less curved frontal convexity in 17 patients. The occipital cranial vault was symmetrical in 44 patients (40%) and asymmetrical in 66 patients (60%). CSDH was more commonly bilateral in patients with a symmetrical occipital cranial vault than those with an asymmetrical one (40.9% vs 19.7%) and this difference was also statistically significant (p = 0.019). In 66 patients with an asymmetric occipital skull vault, the CSDH was bilateral in 13 patients. In the remaining 53 patients, the CSDH located on the same side of the most curved occipital convexity in 39 patients and on the side of the less curved occipital convexity in 14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Frontal and occipital intracranial vault morphology provides valuable information about location of CSDH. Bilateral CSDH is common in patients with symmetrical frontal and occipital cranial vault. In asymmetrical cranium, CSDH usually locates on the same side of the most curved frontal or occipital convexity. Identification of this relationship can be very useful to elucidate the origin and the pathogenesis of CSDH.

Combined epidural and intracerebral hematomas after evacuation of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma.

Bleeding after surgery for chronic subdural hematoma far from the operative site is a rare phenomenon with possibly serious consequences. We report a case of combined epidural and intracerebral hemorrhage immediately after evacuation of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma. The epidural hematoma was evacuated by emergency craniotomy, but the deep parenchymal hematoma was treated conservatively. The patient recovered progressively with a good outcome. Approximately 30 cases of chronic subdural hematomas complicated by intracerebral hematoma were previously reported, but only seven cases of epidural hematoma. These complications could be avoided if slow, gradual decompression is used during surgery. Clinicians should suspect its occurrence without delay when a postoperative neurological deterioration is demonstrated. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

[Cerebellar mutism after removal of a vermian medulloblastoma in an adult]. / Mutisme cérébelleux après ablation d'un médulloblastome vermien chez un adulte.

Cerebellar mutism is a rare postoperative phenomenon that generally occurs in children after resection of a cerebellar mass lesion. A 22-year-old man developed cerebellar mutism after posterior fossa surgery for a mass lesion in the vermis. Histological examination showed a medulloblastoma. The tumor was totally removed via a suboccipital approach. The patient developed mutism on the first postoperative day, which persisted for two weeks. Thereafter, this condition gradually improved. Although pathophysiology and the anatomical substrate of cerebellar mutism still remain unclear, it is important that neurosurgeons be aware of this syndrome after posterior fossa surgery in adults. This phenomenon usually has a self-limiting course and a favorable prognosis for resolution within the first three months.