A new phenotype of amniotic band syndrome with occipital encephalocele-like morphology: a case report.

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a congenital abnormality that can cause a variety of deformities. Here, we report a case of ABS in which the amniotic band adhered to the skull, causing a partial cranial defect that was difficult to differentiate from an occipital encephalocele. The mother was a 24-year-old with an unremarkable medical and family history. Ultrasonography performed at 16 weeks showed that the fetus had a membranous structure in the occipital region. Occipital encephalocele was suspected, and she underwent cesarean section at 38 weeks. A male newborn was delivered, and his left occipital skin had a defect measuring 2 cm, from which a cystic structure had prolapsed. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed that the cystic structure had homogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The neonate then underwent repair of the occipital encephalocele. During the operation, the membranous structures and dura were not continuous. Histological examination revealed that the membranous structures were composed of amnion, suggesting that this was a case of ABS. ABS may present with an encephalocele-like morphology without affecting the brain tissue and meninges. If an atypical encephalocele is found after birth, examination of the placenta may be helpful for a definitive diagnosis.

Middle meningeal artery embolization for pediatric chronic subdural hematoma under anticoagulant therapy with ventricular assist device: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, the efficacy of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) in the elderly has been reported. However, no previous reports of MMA embolization for cSDH in children with ventricular assist devices (VAD) have been published. Here, we report a case of MMA embolization for cSDH in a child with VAD. CASE: A 15-month-old female was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at 7 months old. Soon, a VAD was inserted, and anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy was started. Bilateral cSDH was observed at 15 months, and, 2 months later, an acute exacerbation of the right cSDH necessitated intracerebral hemorrhage removal. Afterwards, increased intracranial pressure occurred due to a contralateral subdural hematoma but, 4 months after intracerebral hemorrhage removal, CT showed new hemorrhaging in the left cSDH. MMA embolization was then conducted to prevent rebleeding in the hematoma. Selective angiography of the left MMA demonstrated stains of hematoma capsules from the frontal and parietal branches, which were embolized using liquid embolic material. During the procedure, the material migrated into the intracranial vessels via an undetected transdural anastomosis. Postoperatively, no new neurological abnormalities, including hemiparesis, were observed. Two months later, CT showed a decrease in hematoma size. CONCLUSION: MMA embolization for cSDH in pediatric patients with VAD may be effective, if vigilance is maintained against transdural anastomoses.