Primary hydatid cyst of brain: Two cases report.

Brain involvement with hydatid disease occurs in 1-2% of all Echinococcus granulosus infections. Isolated cerebral hydatid disease is a rare manifestation of it. In this report, we analyze two cases of isolated cerebral hydatid cysts and discuss their mode of presentation, radiological features, operative procedure and outcome. In our two cases, radiological features and surgical approaches were different from one another. The literature concerning isolated cerebral hydatid disease is reviewed.

Cranio cervical tuberculous hypertrophic pachymeningitis.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a unique clinical entity characterized by fibrosis and thickening of dura mater resulting in neurological dysfunction. It could be idiopathic or due to variety of inflammatory and infectious conditions. Tuberculous hypertrophic pachymeningitis involving cranio cervical region is rarely reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 50-year-old female presented with history of progressive quadriparesis and stiffness of neck for 2 years, dysphagia to liquid for past 3 months. Her condition rapidly deteriorated when another physician prescribed her corticosteroid. Physical examination revealed high cervical compressive myelo-radiculopathy with lower cranial nerve palsy and neck rigidity. Series of serum analysis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study and contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clinched the diagnosis. She improved on antitubercular treatment. CONCLUSION: In case of multilevel cervical compressive myelo-radiculopathy with lower cranial involvement, possibility of hypertrophic pachymeningitis should be kept in mind. Before diagnosing it as idiopathic, infectious causes should be excluded otherwise prescription of corticosteroid will flare up the disease process.

Tethered cord syndrome in adolescents: Report of two cases and review of literature.

The symptoms of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) cases mostly appear during infancy and childhood. Though the adolescent presentation of TCS is well-recognized, it continues to pose significant diagnostic and management controversies. In this report, we describe two cases of adolescent onset TCS associated with two different etiologies. Our first case, an 18-year-old girl who presented due to overflow incontinence in association with TCS was diagnosed to have lumbar meningocele. The second case, a 19-year-girl presenting with perianal anesthesia and bowel and bladder incontinence had lipomyelomeningocele as the cause of TCS. Both of them underwent untethering surgery. The clinical charts and follow-up data were studied in respect to the clinical manifestation, surgical intervention and outcome with a brief review of pertinent literature.

How many patents does a biopharmaceutical company need?

Young biotech companies may not need extensive patent portfolios to survive or grow.