Use of 3DFT-CISS sequences and virtual MR endoscopy for the neuroendoscopic treatment of unilateral hydrocephalus: case illustration.

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular virtual MR endoscopic imaging of the foramen of Monro region by using three-dimensional Fourier transformation constructive interference in steady state (3DFT-CISS) magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with a unilateral congenital obstruction of the foramen of Monro by a transparent membranous septum was performed to enhance the orientation, achieve a better understanding of the pathology, and plan the surgical intervention in an endoscopic approach to the lateral ventricles. METHODS: 3DFT-CISS sequences and virtual MR endoscopic imaging were performed in a patient before and after endoscopic fenestration procedures, to communicate the lateral ventricle to the third ventricle for the treatment of unilateral ventricular enlargement. RESULTS: Preoperative 3DFT-CISS imaging demonstrated unilateral membranous septa in the localization of the left foramen of Monro which were not observed with routine T2-weighted imaging. 3DFT-CISS imaging and T2-weighted imaging were equally useful for monitoring postoperative changes in the size of the ventricles or cysts and the presence of flow voids after fenestration procedures, but only 3DFT-CISS imaging clearly demonstrated the area of fenestration. CONCLUSION: Virtual MR endoscopy by using 3DFT-CISS sequences is a feasible method in the planning of intraventricular real-time endoscopic surgery, for the enhancement of orientation in a surgical field, and to achieve a better understanding of the pathology.

Soft micro-balloon paddy for brain retraction in the protection of neuronal tissue.

UNLABELLED: Brain protection is extremely important during arachnoidal dissection and brain separation with a metallic retractor to create a surgical corridor. We have designed a new type of paddy containing air-filled micro-balloons and cotton for use between the metallic retractor and the brain surface for maximal protection of the neuronal tissues from the pressure of the retractor. In neurosurgical operations, cotton paddies are commonly and generally used during the retraction of brain tissue. We hypothesized that air-filled micro-balloon paddies covered with cotton could be helpful in the gentle separation of brain tissue with metallic retractors for minimizing cerebral damage, and for separating sulcal and cisternal walls during brain operations. These paddies are 2 cm in width and 4 cm in length. Multiple air-filled silicon micro-balloons are located in a sheet with 1-2 mm separation from each other. These silicon micro-balloonoid sheets are covered with a cotton sheath. The thickness of this type of paddy is 2-3 mm from the anterior surface to the posterior surface. We used paddies in 86 brain operations where brain retraction was necessary to create a surgical corridor. There was no complication or unwanted events related with the use of these paddies. IN CONCLUSION: air-filled silicon micro-balloon paddies are useful materials for the gentle separation of brain tissue with a metallic retractor in order to minimize cerebral damage, and for the separation of sulcal and cisternal walls during the surgical intervention.

A model of unilateral cerebral anterior and posterior anastomotic vein occlusion in the rat.

A new rat model of the sacrifice of the anterior and posterior cortical anastomotic veins by the microsurgical technique was used to evaluate venous infarction. 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experiment. Small burr-holes were done over the anterior and posterior anastomotic veins. After the precise description of these vessels, bipolar coagulation and micro-scissor was used for sacrifice. Specimens were evaluated by histopathological techniques. Hemispheric swelling, midline shift, brain edema, subcortical petechial hemorrhage, infarction and necrosis were histopathological findings on the microscopic examination. Our results revealed that the sacrifice of the anterior and posterior anastomotic veins was a very successful model in the evaluation of brain damage after the disturbance to the venous circulation.

Transparent microballoon dissection in the surgical treatment of brain tumors.

In spite of maximal microsurgical efforts, perilesional neural tissue can be injured by surgical instruments in the process of the separation and dissection of tumors. We hypothesized that transparent microballoon dissection could be helpful in the gentle separation of brain tissue from tumor by minimizing cerebral damage, and in separating sulcal and cisternal walls during surgical interventions on brain masses. We used the transparent microballoon dissection technique in 3 primary cases and 4 metastatic brain tumors that were verified with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gentle separation of tumor from surrounding brain, reduction of cerebral damage, and separation of sulcal and cisternal walls were feasible in all patients. Postoperative CT and MRI showed satisfactory results in reducing perilesional cerebral damage. The transparent microballoon inflation technique is a useful microsurgical method for the gentle separation of tumors from surrounding brain tissue, minimizing cerebral damage, and separating sulcal and cisternal walls during surgical interventions for brain masses. Our conclusion is that using the microballoon dissection method may be suitable in microneurosurgical practice.

The guidance of intraoperative ultrasonography in the surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformation.

In this operative case-based report, we have investigated the ability and benefits of intraoperative grey-scale sonographic examination in the localising of arteriovenous malformations in the brain, the identification of feeding artery or arteries, the description of perilesional changes, and the detection of accompanying hematomas. The surrounding edematous brain tissue was observed as hyperechioc areas. The arteriovenous malformation appeared in two echogenic parts, a hyperechioc thrombotic part and a hypoechoic perfused part. We were able to identify the feeding artery. The sonographic characteristics of this artery are thick vascular wall, the presence of arterial systolic pulsation and a close relation with the nidus. We conclude that intraoperative ultrasonographic examination during the surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformation is a non-invasive, useful, and simple diagnostic tool in the detection of the components and accompanying parts of the lesion.

Reconstruction of burr hole by using autologous button-shaped graft harvested from inner table of craniotomy flap: technique and clinical result.

Patients who underwent craniotomy occasionally complain about the postoperative cosmetic appearance at the site of burr holes on the scalp. This problem occurs as a result of depletion of the skin into the unreconstructed burr holes. Some materials have been developed for reconstruction of craniotomy burr holes. To prevent the postoperative cosmetic deformity, the authors developed a button-shaped autologous bone graft harvested from the inner table of craniotomy flap. Clinical application of this method is described.

Acute interhemispheric subdural hematomas. Report of nine cases.

Nine male patients with acute interhemispheric subdural hematoma (ISH) are presented. The etiologic factor was trauma for all patients (traffic accident and falling down). The young adult cases and one child had bad prognosis due to severe clinical findings and high mortality. The asymptomatic patients were treated conservatively. In this report, we discussed etiologic factors, presentation of age groups, whether an ISH progresses to a chronic convexity subdural hematoma (SH), and real mortality rates for ISH with relevant literature knowledge. As a result, ISHs can present in all age groups including shaken babies, severely injured young adults as well as low velocity trauma striken elderly patients (especially those under anticoagulant medication). We believe that an acute ISH does not change to chronic convexity SH; in fact they present as simultaneous acute thin convexity SH and acute ISH. It is also concluded that in contrast to previous literature ISH and acute SH patients of similar neurological status have similar mortality rates.

Unusual penetrating faciocranial injury caused by a knife: a case report.

Penetrating head and neck trauma in children is uncommon and are potentially life-threatening injuries. Penetrating trauma to the head in children is a challenging problem for both the initial evaluating physicians and surgeons. We report upon a patient who had fallen from a tree while cutting vegetables and sustained a penetrating faciocranial injury caused by his knife. Clinical examination showed a knife which had entered his face in the right preauricular, pre-temporomandibular joint area below the zygomatic arch. His left bulbus oculi was exophthalmic and a complete ptosis was present. He was fully conscious. The only abnormal finding was complete left visual loss. The other neurological ophthalmological and systemic physical evaluations were normal. The Glasgow Coma scale score was 14. The modalities of treatment and the outcome of the operation are described and the management of similar injuries is discussed.

A case of anterior sacral meningocele totally excised using the posterior sagittal approach.

Anterior sacral meningocele is a rare congenital anomaly. The authors present a case of anterior sacral meningocele successfully excised using the posterior sagittal approach. The diagnosis and treatment of this unusual anomaly are discussed.

Vertebral hemangioma presenting with intermittent claudication.

The case of a patient with vertebral hemangioma and unusual clinical presentation is reported, with an attempt to explain these unusual clinical complaints. Vertebral hemangioma is a common and often asymptomatic tumor. Neurologic symptoms may appear due to pressure on the neural tissue caused by extraosseous extension. The patient reported here presented with intermittent claudication. Conventional radiography CT, and MRI revealed vertebral hemangioma at T5 and extraosseous extension compressing the spinal cord. Gravity-related vascular dilatation may induce further compression of the spinal cord and, thus, is thought to be the underlying event in the induction of the intermittent clinical symptoms. The lesion was treated with subtotal corpectomy after embolization and fusion with a strut iliac crest graft. At the 9-month follow-up, the patient was without complaints. We conclude that a diagnosis of vertebral hemangioma should be considered in cases of intermittent neurologic symptoms of the lower extremities.

Intranasal (transethmoidal) encephalomeningocele. Case report.

Intranasal encephaloceles are rarely encountered in pediatric neurosurgery. The symptoms and clinical features may mimic those of nasal polyp. It is important to know the type of basal encephalomeningocele for appropriate surgical intervention. Computed tomographic examination is helpful for differential diagnosis of the encephalocele sac and localization of the cranial bone defect.