Recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia due to an acquired arachnoid cyst.

We present the case of a 55-year-old female with pain recurrence after microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia due to development of an arachnoid cyst. Radioimaging studies were inconclusive for vascular compression but showed evidence of fifth nerve distortion. The patient underwent surgical re-exploration, and a cystic lesion of thickened arachnoid containing cerebrospinal fluid was identified and excised. Postoperatively, the patient obtained pain relief. Arachnoid cyst formation may be a possible reason for pain recurrence after microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia, especially when repeat neuroimaging does not show clear evidence of fifth nerve vascular compression. Direct compression from the cyst or arterial pulsation transmission through the cyst to the nerve may be the cause of recurrence.

Stereotactic neurosurgery for disabling tremor in multiple sclerosis: thalamotomy or deep brain stimulation?

Disabling tremor is common in multiple sclerosis and up to 75% of patients experience tremor at some point during their disease. The treatment of this tremor, however, remains challenging. Pharmacotherapy in general has been disappointing and stereotactic neurosurgery is becoming increasingly popular. However, the results of stereotactic treatments reported are variable and no systematic review has been performed. The aim of this study was to assess the role of thalamotomy and deep brain stimulation in the treatment of tremor in multiple sclerosis, and to compare the differences in efficacy and safety between the two techniques. We identified the relevant published studies and cases by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASS and the references lists of related articles, and performed a systematic review and assessment of the full texts of all articles selected. Initial tremor suppression was seen in 93.8% of patients who had thalamotomy and 96% in those who had deep brain stimulation. A total of 63.5% of patients had persistent tremor suppression at 12 months or more after thalamotomy. Twelve results for deep brain stimulation were not available in the reviewed literature. Functional improvement was seen only in 47.8% of those who underwent thalamotomy as opposed to 85.2% of those who had deep brain stimulation. While three of the four reported deaths were in patients who underwent thalamotomy, three of the four procedure-related haemorrhages followed DBS. Other common adverse effects like hemiparesis, dysarthria, swallowing difficulties, balance disorder, etc., was reported in both procedures. Numerous studies have attempted to assess the efficacy and safety of thalamotomy and DBS in the treatment of MS tremor, but no standardized outcome measures were used. Nonetheless, the data suggest that both thalamotomy and thalamic DBS are comparable procedures for tremor suppression and that adverse effects can occur with both procedures.

Technical aspects and considerations of deep brain stimulation surgery for movement disorders.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) represents one of the more recent advancements in Neurosurgery. Even though its most successful applications evolved in movement disorders (MDs), indications now include pain, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, cluster headaches and Tourette syndrome. As this type of surgery gains popularity and the indications for DBS surgery increase, so it will certainly increase the number of neurosurgeons who will use this neuromodulatory technique. A detailed description of the technical aspects of the DBS procedure, as it is performed in our department, is presented. In our opinion, our method is a good combination of all the well-established necessary techniques in a cost-effective way. This technical article may be helpful to neurosurgeons considering to start performing this type of surgery. It could also prompt others who perform DBS regularly to express their views, and hence, lead to further refinement of this demanding procedure.

Giant dumbbell-shaped middle cranial fossa trigeminal schwannoma with extension to the infratemporal and posterior fossae.

We present a 38-year-old female with a giant dumbbell-shaped trigeminal neurinoma originating primarily in the middle cranial fossa, extending to the infratemporal and posterior fossae through the foramen ovale and Meckel's cave, respectively. Because of the large tumour extension into the Infratemporal Fossa, a combined skull base approach (zygomatic infratemporal - transmandibular) was utilised for tumour removal, with a subsequent excellent outcome. An extensive literature review since 1935, revealed 580 cases of surgically treated trigeminal neurinomas. Among these, only three were located in three distinct compartments, making this the rarest developmental pattern for trigeminal neurinomas.

Use of a single semilinear incision in Deep Brain Stimulation for movement disorders.

This technical note presents the authors experience in using a single semilinear incision for bilateral implantation of Deep Brain Stimulation electrodes in the treatment of movement disorders, in order to avoid some of the hardware and skin related complications of this procedure. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are presented and discussed.

Arachnoiditis ossificans with progressive syringomyelia and spinal arachnoid cyst.

We present a 30-year-old man with progressive spastic paraparesis. Spinal imaging revealed extensive calcification of the thoracic cord and cauda equina arachnoid, an intradural extramedullary cyst and evidence of rapidly progressing syringomyelia. Radiological diagnosis was arachnoiditis ossificans and an attempt at surgical decompression was made because of progressive neurologic deterioration. Due to tenacious adhesion of the calcified plaques to the cord and roots, only cyst drainage was achieved; the patient had no clinical improvement. A literature review revealed only two other cases reported in the literature with co-existence of arachnoiditis ossificans and syringomyelia. In none of the previous cases was there an intradural extramedullary arachnoid cyst, nor did the syrinx progress in such a rapid fashion. An attempt is made to explain possible pathophysiological mechanisms leading to this unusual pathology.

The prognostic value of serum S-100B protein in spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Despite the major progress in neurophysiological monitoring, there are still difficulties in the early identification and quantification of cerebral damage after a stroke. In this prospective study we examined the associations between serum S-100B protein, a serum marker of brain injury, and initial neurological-neuroimaging severity, secondary deterioration, external ventricular drainage (EVD: therapeutic intervention) and outcome in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). METHOD: We recorded all pertinent clinical data of 52 patients with SAH and measured S-100B serum levels on admission and every 24 h for a maximum of 9 consecutive days. Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal Wallis analysis were employed to assess the association of S-100B levels with all variables of interest. Log-rank test was used to evaluate survival and Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis to define the significant predictors of survival rate. FINDINGS: Admission S-100B was statistically significantly associated with initial neurological status, neuroimaging severity, and one-year outcome (p = 0.0002, 0.001, and 0.017, Kruskal Wallis analysis). Admission S-100B above 0.3 microg/L predicted unfavourable outcome (p < 0.0001, log rank test) and constituted an independent predictor of short-term survival (p = 0.035 Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis) with a hazard ratio of 2.2 (95% C.I.: 1.06-4.6) indicating a more than doubling of death probability. Secondary neurological deterioration associated with S-100B increase (p < 0.0001) and external ventricular drainage (EVD) with S-100B reduction (p = 0.003, Wilcoxon signed rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Serum S-100B protein seems to be a useful biochemical indicator of neurological - neuroimaging severity, secondary deterioration, EVD (therapeutic intervention), and outcome in patients with SAH.

Symptomatic syringomyelia secondary to clinically obscure infratentorial tumour.

The formation of a cervical spinal cord syrinx as a result of an infratentorial mass, even though uncommon, has been reported in international literature. In such cases, syringomyelia is usually asymptomatic, while the tumour-related symptoms and signs predominate. We report a patient with a posterior fossa tumour and secondary syringomyelia. In this patient, syringomyelia symptoms and signs were present, and a cervical spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a large cervical syrinx. A more careful clinical examination though, revealed a sub-clinical posterior fossa syndrome and brain MRI revealed a large infratentorial meningioma. A posterior fossa craniotomy was performed, followed by complete tumour resection and almost complete remission of the syrinx and its related symptoms. The authors discuss the role of posterior fossa tumour induced tonsillar herniation in the development of secondary syringomyelia, the mechanisms leading to syrinx formation and the conditions that must be fulfilled for that to happen.

Primitive supratentorial neuroectodermal tumor in an adult.

We report the case of a 32-year-old female with a diagnosis of supratentorial tumour. Total removal of the tumour was achieved in a two-stage procedure. Histopathology revealed a primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET), an unusual and highly malignant, mainly infratentorial tumour of childhood that is uncommonly described in the supratentorial compartment of adults. We review the literature and describe the existing knowledge of these tumours.

Selection of cranial site for shunting debilitated patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The optimum cranial site for ventricular catheter insertion in CSF shunts is still under debate and there has been no general consensus as far as surgical technicalities are concerned. Furthermore, there have been no reports dealing with appropriate cranial site selection in debilitated patients. The aim of this report is to stress the need to utilize a frontal approach when dealing with patients who are likely to remain bed-bound for long periods and to emphasize the well-known prerequisites such as meticulous surgical technique and peri-operative general and local care. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of all shunt operations and revisions performed in our department during the last 6 years. FINDINGS: This analysis revealed 8 long-term recumbent patients with late valve extrusion (N1 = 5) or primary wound breakdown (N2 = 3), all through the occipital area. Extended periods of bed rest due to neurological disease combined with poor nursing and dietary intake had led to either chronic valve extrusion or wound breakdown. Shunt revision was performed successfully by a frontal approach in 5 whereas 2 tolerated shunt removal and one died of meningitis. CONCLUSION: In debilitated patients or those who are likely to remain bed-bound for long periods, a frontal approach for proximal catheter insertion may help prevent immediate postoperative wound breakdown or late valve extrusion.

Peritumoural haematoma and meningioma: a common tumour with an uncommon presentation.

Spontaneous peritumoural haemorrhage in meningiomas is a rare but serious complication with a grave prognosis. It occurs at the interface between the tumour and the parenchyma, either from the tumour surface or the cortical vessels in association with it. Although several pathophysiologic mechanisms for this complication have been proposed, they all remain speculative. We report a 72-year-old female who presented with sudden onset of headache and a left homonymous hemianopia. Neuroimaging revealed a parasagittal meningioma at the posterior third of the superior sagittal sinus with peritumoural intracerebral haematoma, 1 cm away from the tumour. An uncomplicated gross total excision of the meningioma and aspiration of the haematoma was achieved through a craniotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful with an excellent clinical outcome. Possible mechanisms for this unusual complication are discussed. We emphasise the importance of prompt diagnosis and simultaneous excision of the tumour and aspiration of the haematoma as prerequisites for a favourable outcome.

Infected CNS infusion pumps. Is there a chance for treatment without removal?

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal baclofen administration by means of an implantable pump is nowadays a safe and effective method in the treatment of spasticity. One of the rare but devastating complications of this technique is pump infection, with a variety of Gram (-) and Gram (+) organisms being involved. Treatment of these infections, according to international literature, requires removal of the device and appropriate antibiotic therapy. METHOD: This article reports the authors experience in treating 3 patients with severe, medically intractable spasticity, suffering from infection of the intrathecally-delivering pump. A decision was made not to replace the device, but to treat this complication with pump disinfection and with a new treatment modality that has never been used before, the intra-pocket administration of antibiotics. FINDINGS: In all cases the infection was eradicated and the integrity of the pump maintained. None of the patients required a procedure under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Removal should no longer be considered the first treatment option in infections of intrathecally delivering pumps, especially those due to non-adherent bacteria, with mild clinical symptomatology. An initial attempt should always be made for conservative treatment. Intra-pocket administration of antibiotics helps in achieving high drugs levels locally, and may prove an important element in our armamentarium against such infections.

Complex neurobehavioural syndrome due to bilateral thalamic glioma.

We present a 65-year-old female with bilateral thalamic astrocytoma. The unusual long survival of this patient allowed the manifestation of a complex neurobehavioural syndrome due to gradual involvement of several thalamic nuclei. An attempt is made to approach the complexity of symptoms according to the anatomical areas, nuclei and thalamic connections infiltrated.

Occult traumatic dissection of vertebral artery with an excellent outcome.

We present the case of a young male with severe head injury, cervico-thoracic fractures, and an initially unrecognized brainstem infarct due to unilateral dissection of vertebral artery, who made an unusually excellent recovery. This report stresses the importance of prompt clinico-imaging diagnosis and prophylactic anticoagulant treatment in such cases.

Epidural haematoma after evacuation of contralateral subdural haematoma.

BACKGROUND: Sequentially evolving intracranial bilateral haematomas, where the second haematoma develops after the surgical removal of the first one is rarely reported. AIM: To report a patient who developed an epidural haematoma after evacuation of a contralateral subdural haematoma. METHODS: A 49-year-old male was admitted to our department after head injury. A brain computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed an acute subdural haematoma in the right temporal area which was evacuated. During his stay in the intensive care unit, he was submitted to intracranial pressure monitoring, which soon rose. RESULTS: A new CT scan showed an acute epidural haematoma in the contralateral parietal area that was also evacuated. CONCLUSIONS: While rising intracranial pressure after the evacuation of a traumatic haematoma is usually attributed to brain oedema or recurrent haematoma at the craniotomy site, the development of a contralateral epidural haematoma requiring surgical treatment should not be overlooked.

CT-guided stereotactic biopsies of brain stem lesions: personal experience and literature review.

Appropriate therapy of brain stem lesions should be guided by an accurate diagnosis. Clinical evaluation combined with modern neuroimaging techniques may nowadays approach the diagnosis but not always with accuracy, thus leading to erroneous treatment. We report a series of 11 patients who underwent stereotactic biopsy for brain stem lesions. In 8 patients, the lesion was approached transfrontally. In the remaining 3 patients, the lesion was approached via the suboccipital transcerebellar route. There was no surgical mortality. Precise histological diagnosis was achieved in all patients. Three patients (27.2%) suffered complications attributed to the procedure and were successfully treated conservatively. Histological results were in accordance with preoperative diagnosis in 9 patients (81.8%). Despite the limited number of patients, our data suggest that stereotactic biopsy of brain stem lesions is a safe technique that can obtain adequate tissue for histological diagnosis, thus providing each patient with the best available treatment.

Atypical presentation of an extradural hematoma on the grounds of a temporal arachnoid cyst.

We report a 56-year-old man, with atypical presentation of an extradural hematoma caused by head injury after a fall. The presence of a temporal arachnoid cyst on the grounds of temporal lobe agenesis altered the clinical image of this man, causing only mild symptoms where an otherwise acute neurologic deterioration would be expected in the case of an epidural hematoma of such extent. The hematoma was evacuated through a left pterional craniotomy and a tear in the middle meningeal vein was recognized as the source of bleeding. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged within 5 days. An extensive review of literature available to us revealed only 5 other such cases reported that all were younger patients.