A Systematic Review on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Neurosurgical Practice and Indian Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to systematically review the impact of the current pandemic on neurosurgical practice and to find out a safe way of practicing neurosurgery amid the highly infectious patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed. The literature was systematically searched using keywords such as "COVID-19" and "Neurosurgery." RESULTS: Among the 425 records, 128 articles were found to be eligible for analysis. These articles described the perspectives of the neurosurgical departments during the pandemic, departmental models, and organizational schemes for triaging emergent and nonemergent neurosurgical cases for the optimal utilization of limited resources, and solutions to continue academic and research activities. Triaging systems help us to optimally utilize the limited resources available. Guidelines have been developed for safe neurosurgical practice and for the continuation of clinical and academic activities during this pandemic by various national and international neurosurgical societies. Key changes in the telemedicine regulatory guidelines would help us to continue to provide neurosurgical care. Videoconferences, online education programs, and webinars could help us to overcome the disadvantages brought upon the neurosurgical education by the social-distancing norms. CONCLUSION: In an unprecedented time like this, no single algorithm is going to clear the ethical dilemma faced by us. Individual patient triage is a way for maintaining our ethical practice and at the same time, for efficiently utilizing the limited resources. As the pandemic progresses, new guidelines and protocols will continue to evolve for better neurosurgical practice.

Primary anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma of cervical spine presenting with quadriplegia: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: An anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) involving the cervical spine and leading to quadriplegia is very rare. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 48-year-old immunocompetent male presented with quadriplegia that warranted an anterior cervical corpectomy/fusion. He was previously being presumptively treated for cervical disease attributed to tuberculosis. The histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed an ALCL that was anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) negative. The patient had a favorable response to surgery followed by CHOEP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, and prednisolone) chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: ALK-negative ALCL presenting with quadriplegia due to primary involvement of cervical spine is extremely rare, but must be diagnosed and appropriately managed.

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma involving nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and all paranasal sinuses with bilateral orbital and intracranial extension: A rare case report.

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is one of the rarest, aggressive malignant neoplasms of sinonasal tract, consisting of primitive neuroepithelial elements with various malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. Previously described as teratoid carcinosarcoma, malignant teratoma, or blastoma, SNTCS constitutes less than 1% of all cancers and approximately 3% of all malignancies of head and neck region, which is mainly located in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, although tumors occurring in other locations including the nasopharynx and oral cavity have been described. Here, we are presenting a 22-year-old patient with SNTCS involving the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and all paranasal sinuses with bilateral orbital and intracranial extension treated with surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Concurrent multiple intracranial and intramedullary conus tuberculoma: A rare case report.

Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis commonly manifests as tubercular meningitis. CNS tuberculomas are more common intracranially and less frequently involve the spinal cord. Combination of intramedullary with intracranial tuberculomas is extremely rare. We report a case of concurrent occurrence of intramedullary tuberculoma with multiple intracranial tuberculomas in a young 16-year-old boy, who presented with two weeks history of paresthesias and weakness of the lower limbs and diminution of vision in left eye, who had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spine showed a well-circumscribed lesion opposite L1, which was diagnosed as intramedullary tuberculoma. As for vision complaint, on cranial imaging, he was found to have multiple round contrast enhancing lesions, which were diagnosed as intracranial tuberculomas based on their typical MRI findings. He had complete recovery with conventional treatment of anti-tubercular therapy and steroids, without any surgical intervention. We suggest that MRI of the brain should be performed in all case of intramedullary spinal tuberculoma because of the possible presence of early asymptomatic/mild symptomatic intra-cranial tuberculomas.

Malignant solitary fibrous tumour of orbit.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare neoplasm that is thought to be of mesenchymal origin. Occurrence of such a tumor in the orbit is rare, more so in its malignant form. Histopathologically, it can mimic several other tumors of the orbit and can be differentiated by CD34 positivity. We report a case of malignant transformation of an SFT of the orbit that recurred after 15 years. The differentiating histopathological features with special stress on the importance of CD34 positivity and principles of management are outlined. The need for long-term follow-up to detect recurrence and malignancy is stressed.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the skull with extra and intracranial extension presenting with bulky scalp mass lesion.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the cranium with extra- and intracranial extension without systemic or skeletal manifestation in a non-immunocompromised patient is extremely rare. These lesions are most of the time misdiagnosed because they mimic other conditions like meningioma. Here, we report a case presented with huge bulky scalp mass which on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain showed involvement of scalp, cranial vault, meninges, and the brain parenchyma, mimicking a meningioma. After gross total resection, biopsy and CD marker study revealed primary non-Hodgkin's diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Malignant NHL should be considered in differential diagnosis of bulky scalp mass lesion.

Positional hoarseness: an unusual symptom in jugular foramen mass.

We came across a case of jugular foramen mass causing positional hoarseness on turning the head left and disappearing on returning the head to a straight position. Hoarseness of voice due to vagus nerve involvement is seen in jugular foramen mass but positional hoarseness has never been seen before. We report this rarest presentation and discuss the pathophysiology behind it.

A giant frontal cavernous malformation with review of literature.

Cavernous malformations (CMs) are vascular anomalies with dilated spaces called caverns. These spaces are lined by endothelial cells and collage and devoid of smooth muscle or intervening neural tissue, and filled with blood at various stages of stasis, thrombosis, organization, and calcification. Most CMs are relatively small in size but when they are large enough they can produce sing of mass effect and may simulate neoplastic, vascular, inflammatory pathology. Giant CM (size >6 cm) are very rare lesions and very few cases are reported in world literature. We are reporting such a rare case of a 16 year male. Our case is also unique in the sense that it is the largest reported CM in Indian population.

Growing skull fracture with cerebrospinal fluid fistula: A rare case report and its management strategies.

The growing skull fracture (GSF) occurs in younger age group as a sequel of trauma. The most common site of these lesions is parietal region. Here we are presenting a case of GSF of posterior fossa with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. As per literature, we have not found a single case of GSF in the posterior fossa with CSF fistula. The aim of this presentation is discussing the unusual presentation of GSF and its management.

Post Traumatic Delayed Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy (FNP): Diagnostic Dilemma of Expressionless Face.

Bilateral facial nerve palsy [FNP] is a rare condition. Mostly it is idiopathic. Post traumatic bilateral FNP is even more rare and having unique neurosurgical considerations. Post traumatic delayed presentation of bilateral FNP is socially debilitating and also having diagnostic challenge. Due to lack of facial asymmetry as present in unilateral facial paralysis, it is difficult to recognize. We are presenting a case of delayed onset bilateral FNP who developed FNP after 12 days of head injury with a brief discussion of its diagnostic dilemma and management along with literature review.

Experiences and conceptualisation of spinal intramedullary tuberculoma management.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal intramedullary tuberculoma (SIMT) is rare, accounting for 2/100,000 cases of tuberculosis and only 0.2% of all cases of central nervous system(CNS) tuberculosis. We share our experiences of 11 cases of this entity for improving diagnosis and conceptualize the management of this rare disease. METHODS: The clinical profile, radiological data and management of 11 cases of SIMT which were managed either conservatively or by surgical intervention during last 27 years (1987-2014) were analysed. RESULTS: Male:female ratio was 1.75:1. Five cases had associated pulmonary Koch's. Most common site was thoracic cord. Two cases had concurrent multiple intracranial tuberculoma. Most common presentation was paraparesis. X-ray myelography was performed in two patients in the initial period of study suggesting intramedullary pathology. In the subsequent nine cases who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), seven showed typical "target sign" and conglomerate ring lesion. Out of 8 surgically managed patients, 6 cases improved rapidly and in 2 patients gradual improvement was seen in follow-up. Most common indication of surgical excision was rapid neurological deterioration followed by diagnosis in doubt. Histopathology confirmed tuberculous etiology of the intramedullary lesion in all. Clinical and radiological improvement was seen in all 3 conservatively managed patients in follow-up. CONCLUSION: MRI findings of SIMT were specific and proven histologically correct. Surgical intervention may be indicated if there is no response to chemotherapy, the diagnosis is in doubt, or there is a rapid deterioration in neurological function because surgical outcome is good in these circumstances.

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma of adult spine: A rare case and review of literature.

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare disorder of central nervous system. It rarely produces compressive myelopathy. On reviewing world literature, we could find only nine cases of this disease involving spine and of which only four cases were in adults' i.e., 18 years and above. We are presenting a case of Spinal JXG in an 18-year-old male with thoracic compressive myelopathy presenting as short duration progressive paraparesis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spine showed mass lesion in epidural space compressing cord from behind without any bony involvement at D7 to D10 vertebral segment. It was isointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2 with no contrast enhancement. D7 to D10 Laminectomy with complete excision of firm epidural mass was carried out. The histopathology with tumor markers confirmed the diagnosis of JXG. Post-operative neurological recovery in this patient was good. His power improved to grade 5/5 with decreased spasticity. Follow-up MRI at 3 months showed no residual tumor. This case appears to be the first in the series with entirely extradural component in adult thoracic spine.

Concept of gunshot wound spine.

Gunshot wound (GSW) to the spine which was earlier common in the military population is now being increasingly noted in civilians due to easy availability of firearms of low velocity either licensed or illegal combined with an increased rate of violence in the society. Contributing to 13% to 17% of all spinal injuries, the management of complex injury to the spine produced by a GSW remains controversial. Surgery for spinal cord injuries resulting from low velocity GSWs is reserved for patients with progressive neurologic deterioration, persistent cerebrospinal fluid fistulae, and sometimes for incomplete spinal cord injuries. Surgery may also be indicated to relieve active neural compression from a bullet, bone, intervertebral disk, or a hematoma within the spinal canal. Spinal instability rarely results from a civilian GSW. Cauda equina injuries from low velocity GSWs have a better overall outcome after surgery. In general, the decision to perform surgery should be made on consideration of multiple patient factors that can vary over a period of time. Although there have been plenty of individual case reports regarding GSW to the spine, a thorough review of unique mechanical and biological factors that affect the final outcome has been lacking. We review the key concepts of pathogenesis and management of GSW to the spine and propose an algorithm to guide decision making in such cases.