bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Venous and Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis after Transcallosal Removal of a Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle
Authors: Garrido Eddy , Fahs Gerald R.
Published: April 2011

The authors report a case of cortical vein and sagittal sinus thrombosis after a transcallosal removal of a colloid cyst of the third ventricle. Thirty-six hours after the operation, the patient developed focal seizures: after progressive deterioration. he died on the sixth postoperative day. At the autopsy, a venous hemorrhagic infarct in the right frontoparietal area and fresh thrombus occluding the sagittal sinus and cortical veins were found. The mechanism of cortical vein and sinus thrombosis subsequent to this procedure is discussed, and suggestions are made to prevent this serious complication.
Operative Treatment of Intracranial Epidermoid Cysts and Cholesterol Granulomas: Report of 21 Cases
Authors: Altschuler Eric M. , Jungreis Charles A. , Sekhar Laligam N. , Jannetta Peter J. , Sheptak Peter E.
Published: April 2011

Thirteen patients had operations to remove intracranial epidermoid cysts, and long-term follow-up was obtained. Total or nearly total tumor and capsule removal was accomplished in 7 patients during the initial operation. This group required no additional operations. The other 6 underwent subtotal tumor removal and required multiple operations for symptomatic tumor recurrence. This latter group had a poorer neurological outcome. We conclude that initial total or near-total tumor resection is highly desirable in treating intracranial epidermoid cysts, particularly in physiologically young individuals. Five patients were followed after operations to remove pure cholesterol granulomas of the petroclival bone, and 3 additional patients were followed after operations to remove tumors with combined histopathological features of both an epidermoid cyst and cholesterol granuloma. Four patients with some component of a cholesterol granuloma had concurrent middle ear infections, and 4 did not. Intracranial subtotal excision and drainage of these lesions was the initial operative management in 7 patients. 5 of whom have required multiple operations for symptomatic tumor recurrence. Therefore, we conclude that subtotal excisional procedures for tumors with histopathological features of cholesterol granulomas are not usually successful in establishing long-term cures. Total excision, as recommended for epidermoid cysts, tumors frequently confused with cholesterol granulomas when occupying the petroclival region, may be warranted for these tumors as well. We postulate that when a congenital epidermoid cyst occurs in the petroclival bone, it may incite a local inflammatory reaction, producing lesions which have the histological features of both epidermoid cysts and cholesterol granulomas.
Chronic Encapsulated Intracerebral Hematoma Associated with Cavernous Angioma: A Case Report
Authors: Murakami Shigeyuki , Sotsu Masahiro , Morooka Satoru , Suzuki Takashi
Published: April 2011

The case of a patient with a chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematoma associated with a cavernous angioma is reported. In spite of a huge space-occupying lesion in the frontal lobe, our patient showed no focal neurological deficit. The clinical picture suggested a slowly growing brain tumor. Intraoperative findings revealed a liquefied intracerebral hematoma with a thick capsule. Pathological investigations demonstrated a capsule rich in neovascularity with a cavernous angioma attached to it. It is presumed that initial bleeding from the cavernous angioma encouraged capsule formation similar to the membrane of chronic subdural hematomas and that repeated bleeding from the capillaries of the capsule allowed the expansion of the hematoma.
Cerebral Granuloma and Meningitis Caused by Candida albicans: Useful Monitoring of Mannan Antigen in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Ikeda Kiyonobu , Yamashita Junkoh , Fujisawa Hironori , Fujita Shi-ichi
Published: April 2011

The authors report the case of a previously healthy patient who had recurrent cerebral granulomas and meningitis caused by Candida albicans 15 years after the first onset. A combination of external drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and intraventricular and intravenous chemotherapy with antifungal agents resulted in a favorable outcome. Investigation of this patient revealed no immunological dysfunction, lymphoproliferative disorder, or candidicidal defect of peripheral blood leukocytes. Sequential measurement of Candida mannan antigen in CSF was useful for establishing the early diagnosis of cerebral candidiasis and for judging the effect of our antifungal chemotherapy. In determining the surgical indications and timing of placement of a ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt for meningitis subsequent to hydrocephalus after candidal infection, it is better to confirm normal concentrations of the mannan antigen in the CSF repeatedly for more than a week and to determine that cultures of the CSF are negative for Candida albicans.
Surgical Approaches to the Cavernous Sinus: A Microsurgical Study
Authors: Inoue Tooru , Rhoton Albert L. , Theele Dan , Barry Margaret E.
Published: April 2011

The surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus were examined in 50 adult cadaveric cavernous sinuses using magnification of ×3 to ×40. The following approaches were examined: 1) the superior intradural approach directed through a frontotemporal craniotomy and the roof of the cavernous sinus: 2) the superior intradural approach combined with an extradural approach for removing the anterior clinoid process and unroofing the optic canal and orbit; 3) the superomedial approach directed through a supraorbital craniotomy and subfrontal exposure to the wall of the sinus adjacent to the pituitary gland; 4) the lateral intradural approach directed below the temporal lobe to the lateral wall of the sinus; 5) the lateral extradural approach for exposure of the internal carotid artery in the floor of the middle cranial fossa proximal to the sinus; 6) the combined lateral and inferolateral approach, in which the infratemporal fossa was opened and the full course of the petrous carotid artery and the lateral wall of the sinus were exposed and; 7) the inferomedial approach, in which the medial wall of the sinus was exposed by the transnasal-transsphenoidal route. It was clear that a single approach was not capable of providing access to all parts of the sinus. The intracavernous structures best exposed by each route are reviewed. The osseous relationships in the region were examined in dry skulls. Anatomic variants important in exposing the cavernous sinus are reviewed.
Infection of the Intervertebral Disc Space after Placement of a Percutaneous Lumboperitoneal Shunt for Benign Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Cabezudo Jose M. , Olabe Javier , Bacci Fernando
Published: April 2011

The authors report the case of 22-year-old woman who developed a disc space infection after percutaneous placement of a lumboperitoneal shunt for benign intracranial hypertension.
Two Cases of Giant Serpentine Aneurysm
Authors: Kumabe Toshihiro , Kaneko Uichi , Ishibashi Takao , Kaneko Kou , Uchigasaki Shin'ya
Published: April 2011

Giant serpentine aneurysm (GSA) is an entity defined on radiological and pathological grounds as a giant, partially thrombosed aneurysm containing tortuous vascular channels. We have had the opportunity to study two patients with GSAs, which has allowed for a complete comparative anatomical and radiological study. This report emphasizes the etiology of the GSAs. Twenty-two patients with GSAs have been reported in the literature, of which pathological studies were done in 10. In most of these, the aneurysm was found to be filled with an organized thrombus, but in our patients the aneurysm was filled with relatively new clot. The aneurysm enlarged and a change in the tortuous vascular channel was observed over a period of 1 year in the first patient, whereas a globoid aneurysm developed into a GSA in the brief period of just 2 weeks in the second patient. This rapid transformation of a globoid aneurysm into a GSA is of particular interest when the etiology of GSAs is considered. Our patients therefore shed some interesting light on the possible pathophysiology of GSAs. That is, the bloodstream may change dynamically in a giant aneurysm and may become a serpentine channel under conditions that lead to a “Coanda effect.”
Carcinoma Metastatic to a Cerebellar Vascular Malformation: Case Report
Authors: Greene George M. , Hart Michael N. , Poor Marshall M. , Loftus Christopher M.
Published: April 2011

A 73-year-old woman with a spontaneous intracerebellar hemorrhage was seen and was found to have metastatic adenocarcinoma within a vascular malformation. There was no evidence of other metastatic disease. The association of these two lesions is uncommon and has rarely been reported. The rich vascularity of the malformation may explain the hematogenous deposition of metastatic neoplasm at this site.
Loss of Vision after Transsphenoidal Surgery
Authors: Barrow Daniel L. , Tindall George T.
Published: April 2011

Eleven patients who experienced significant loss of vision after transsphenoidal surgery are reported on. The mechanisms involved in these visual complications include direct injury or devascularization of the optic apparatus, fracture of the orbit, postoperative hematoma, cerebral vasospasm, and prolapse of the optic chiasm into an empty sella. Factors that may increase the risk of visual complications include the presence of a pituitary macroadenoma, previous visual impairment, a “bottleneck” or dumbbell-shaped tumor, previous surgery and/or radiation therapy, and, possibly, use of a lumbar subarachnoid catheter during operation. A practical approach to the management and avoidance of these complications is presented.
Cotrel-Dubousset Instrumentation for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Moreland Douglas B. , Egnatchik James G. , Bennett Gregory J.
Published: April 2011

Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (CDI) was introduced in 1984 primarily for the treatment of scoliosis. The applications of this unique and versatile system have expanded to other diseases of the spine. Thoracolumbar fractures are a common management problem for which the device seems to be well suited. We review our results of 15 patients with unstable thoracolumbar fractures treated with CDI at an average of 24 months‘ follow-up. The results are promising and compare favorably with other forms of surgical and medical management. Postoperatively, there was a loss of 2° in the angle of deformity and 0.9 mm of vertebral body displacement. Incomplete neurological injuries improved one or more Frankel grades in 75% of our patients. There were three complications (20%). CDI offers theoretical advantages over Harrington instrumentation and conservative (nonoperative) management. The use of CDI in the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures is endorsed by these results.
The Risk and Efficacy of Anticoagulant Therapy in the Treatment of Thromboembolic Complications in Patients with Primary Malignant Brain Tumors
Authors: Altschuler Eric , Moosa Hans , Selker Robert G. , Vertosick Frank T.
Published: April 2011

Twenty-three patients with malignant glial neoplasms were treated with anticoagulant therapy for thromboembolic complications. Fifteen patients had deep vein thrombosis alone, and 8 patients had both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Serum prothrombin times were maintained at 1.25 times control for an average of 5.8 months per patient, for a total patient exposure to warfarin therapy of 132 patient-months (11 patient-years). Only 1 patient suffered a recurrent pulmonary embolism, and this occurred during an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding, when anticoagulant therapy had to be discontinued prematurely. All patients were followed with serial computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scans, and no patient showed radiographic evidence of intratumoral hemorrhage either during or after warfarin therapy. One patient, who died from a large recurrent glioblastoma, was found at autopsy to have scattered foci of intratumoral hemorrhage. This series, together with a review of the available literature, suggests that oral anticoagulant therapy is both a safe and effective means of treating thromboembolic complications in patients with residual malignant glial tumors.
Changing Concepts in Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Report of 29 Cases
Authors: Del Curling O. , Gower David J. , McWhorter Joe M.
Published: April 2011

A review of our recent experience with spinal epidural abscess (SEA) reveals several important changing concepts in diagnosis, etiology, management, and outcome. All cases of SEA seen by our service from August 1975 to July 1989 were reviewed retrospectively, and 29 patients were identified (19 men and 10 women, aged 13-78 years). Abscesses were located in the lumbar (n = 21), thoracic (n = 7), and cervical (n = 1) epidural spaces. Gram-positive organisms were the infectious agent in 72% of the cases, and Staphyloccus aureus was the sole agent in 45% other agents were Gram-negative aerobes (n = 5), a Gram-negative anaerobe (n = 1), Mycobacterium tuberculosis(n = 1), and Sporotrichum schenckii(n = 1), the last occurring in a young woman with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Seventeen patients had concomitant extraspinal infections. Diagnosis was confirmed by myelography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent operative decompression and debridement; 2 required a second procedure for persistent infection. The most common operative findings were pus and granulation tissue in the epidural space (52%); the preoperative course correlated poorly with operative findings. The wound was closed primarily in 84% of cases. Postoperative intravenous antibiotic courses for the bacterial abscesses ranged from 1.5 to 6 weeks (median, 2 weeks), followed by antibiotics given orally for 0 to 6 weeks. Two patients died perioperatively. Neurological outcome was good in 21 patients and fair in 6 (mean follow-up, 1.4 years). Over the last 50 years the spectrum of organisms causing SEA has broadened, and the distinction between acute and chronic SEAs has minimal clinical significance. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging has come to have an adjunctive diagnostic role. Treatment by operative debridement, primary wound closure, and short courses of antibiotics given intravenously and orally has a consistently good result, and prognosis has markedly improved.
An Extreme Lateral Approach to Intradural Lesions of the Cervical Spine and Foramen Magnum
Authors: Sen Chandra N. , Sekhar Laligam N.
Published: April 2011

Meningiomas and neurofibromas are the most common intradural extramedullary tumors of the foramen magnum and cervical spine. Many of these tumors are located ventral or ventrolateral to the spinal cord and medulla. Posterior approaches, although adequate for the management of most of these tumors, can sometimes result in incomplete removal of the tumor and exacerbation of the neurological deficits. Although the transoral and transcervical approaches provide a direct route to the tumor, the exposure of the lateral margins in the case of large tumors is inadequate. In addition, because of the removal of vertebral bodies, subsequent fusion may be necessary. In the present report, an extreme lateral approach to the foramen magnum and cervical spine for the removal of intradural tumors is described. The approach provides a lateral exposure of the tumor-cord/stem interface, thus permitting safe dissection without retraction of the cord. The entire longitudinal and lateral extent of the tumor and also its extradural extension can be can be managed by this approach. This approach can be considered in such a group of patients harboring entirely ventral or recurrent tumors for which the conventional posterior approach has failed. Six patients who underwent this procedure are described to illustrate its application.
Histological Changes in Glioblastoma after Intratumoral Injection of Autologous Lymphocytes and Human Lymphoblastoid Interferon
Authors: Vaquero Jesùs , Coca Santiago , Oya Santiago , Martinez Roberto , Regidor Carmen , Barbolla Luz , Salazar Francisco G. , Ramiro Josefa
Published: April 2011

Seven glioblastomas were studied between 1 and 6 months after intratumoral injection of autologous lymphocytes and human lymphoblastoid interferon. Morphological study showed a great number of lymphocytes within the tumor tissue, and interactions between lymphocytes and glioblastoma cells, suggesting a killing phenomenon. These data support the potential usefulness of adoptive immunotherapy in patients with glioblastoma by means of intratumoral administration of activated lymphoid cells.
Acute Spinal Intradural Extramedullary Hematoma: A Nonsurgical Approach for Spinal Cord Decompression
Authors: Schwerdtfeger Karsten , Caspar Wolfhard , Alloussi Schanas , Strowitzki Martin , Loew Friedrich
Published: April 2011

The authors present the case of a 60-year old man with a spontaneous spinal intradural hematoma in the thoracic and lumbar region, which was caused by anticoagulant therapy and led to a severe progressive transverse lesion. After substitution of coagulation factors, a small catheter was inserted into the subarachnoid space via a lumbar puncture. By alternating irrigation and suction removal of the blood clot, restoration of the cerebrospinal fluid passage was possible along with a marked improvement in the neurological deficits. At 8 months' follow-up, the patient had completely recovered from the severe paraparesis and bladder dysfunction.
The Frequency-Dependent Behavior of Cerebral Autoregulation
Authors: Giller Cole A.
Published: April 2011

Cerebral autoregulation is a complex physiological process composed of both fast and slow components that may respond differently to different rates and patterns of blood pressure variation. To assess the temporal nature of autoregulation, transcranial Doppler velocity recordings of the middle cerebral artery obtained over prolonged periods were compared with blood pressure recordings in 5 patients without cerebral disease and in 13 patients with intracranial pathological changes. Correlations between the velocity and pressure wave forms at various frequencies of variation were measured with systems analysis techniques. Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage had high correlations indicating pressure-dependent flow and impaired autoregulation. Patients without cerebral disease had significantly lower correlations (P<0.01), indicating intact autoregulation. Examples of increasing correlations and correlations at new frequencies emerging as the clinical condition worsened are given. These preliminary examples suggest that the application of systems analysis techniques to velocity and pressure data allow measurement of the temporal nature of cerebral autoregulation.
Fractures of the Clivus: Classification and Clinical Features
Authors: Corradino Gregory , Wolf Aizik L. , Mirvis Stuart , Joslyn John
Published: April 2011

Fractures of the clival complex were diagnosed in a series of 17 patients admitted to the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System and the University of Maryland Medical System over a 30-month period. These fractures were divided pathologically into three types based upon their appearance on computed tomography: longitudinal, transverse, and oblique. The mechanisms of injury were similar in all groups, and the Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission were comparable, regardless of fracture type, in survivors and nonsurvivors. Longitudinal fractures were associated with servere injury to the central nervous system and with brain stem infarction, and 4 of 6 (67%) of these patients died. Transverse fractures of the clival complex were found in 6 patients, 3 of whom (50%) died. All of these patients had fractures of the petrous ridge; 2 of the 3 survivors had multiple cranial nerve deficits, and one patient developed a carotid-cavernous fistula. Of the 5 patients with oblique clival fractures. 2 survived (40%), both of whom had multiple cranial nerve palsies; in addition, one of these patients developed a carotid-cavernous fistula. Using the present generation of computed tomographic scanners, fractures of the clival complex can be reliably diagnosed; they are probably more common than previously believed and can be separated into three groups based on the characteristics on computed tomographic scans and clinical findings.
Intradural Spinal Cord Tumor Presenting as a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnosis
Authors: Chalif David J. , Black Karen , Rosenstein Dwight
Published: April 2011

Negative findings on four-vessel angiography after a subarachnoid hemorrhage are seen in 5 to 30% of patients. A previously silent lesion in the spinal canal may be responsible for the ictus in a small percentage of this group. The etiological factors include tumors and arteriovenous malformations: however, investigations of such lesions have been limited to patients with signs and symptoms of spinal cord or nerve root pathological processes. This report describes the management of a 56-year-old woman with clinical findings typical of an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and negative findings on cerebral angiography, in whom magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium enhancement revealed an intradural extramedullary cervical schwannoma. For this reason, cervicothoracic magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium enhancement should be considered as an adjunctive scanning examination in all patients with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and negative findings on angiography.
A Method for Monitoring Intracerebral Temperature in Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Mellergård Pekka , Nordström Carl-Henrik , Christensson Mats
Published: April 2011

Current interest in brain temperature and selective brain cooling makes a method allowing for continuous monitoring of intracerebral temperature in humans desirable. The authors describe a safe, simple, and reliable technique using a thermocouple of copper and constantan in combination with intraventricular monitoring of intracranial pressure for measurement of brain temperature in neurosurgical patients.
Surgical Decompression without Transposition for Ulnar Neuropathy: Factors Determining Outcome
Authors: LeRoux Peter D. , Ensign Todd D. , Burchiel Kim J.
Published: April 2011

Fifty-one surgical decompressions without nerve transposition for ulnar neuropathy were performed in 46 patients. All of the patients were men with an average age of 59 years at the time of surgery. The follow-up range was between 5 and 32 months (average, 17.8 months). The disease involved the nondominant arm in 24 patients (52%) and was bilateral in 5 (11%). In 23 cases (50%), no predisposing condition could be identified, whereas 15 patients (33%) abused alcohol and 8 patients (17%) had diabetes mellitus. Fifty-seven percent of the patients helped by surgery had symptoms for less than 1 year, whereas only 30% of patients with symptoms for more than 1 year had symptomatic improvement. The relative magnitude of the slowing of ulnar nerve conduction velocity across the elbow was not significantly correlated with the success of decompression in relieving symptoms. Ulnar nerve conduction velocities across the elbow were 36.13 ± 11.76 m/s in those responding to surgery and 38.97 ± 13.91 m/s in those not responding (c = 0.06, dF = 50, P < 0.3). A total of 37 patients showed symptomatic improvement after decompression. Simple decompression of the ulnar nerve was performed under local anesthesia without transposition of the nerve. In all of these cases, compression of the nerve occurred predominantly in the epicondylar groove. Narrowing of the nerve in the groove was present in 28 cases (55%): scar tissue was found adhering to the nerve in 21 cases (41%); and two pseudoneuromas were found (4%). Forty-one operations (80%) resulted in symptomatic improvement, typically noted by the patient within the first month postoperatively. Ten operations (20%) did not result in improvement. Pain and sensory complaints responded best to surgery, whereas patients with significant muscular atrophy generally did not improve. These data indicate that decompression without transposition of the ulnar nerve is effective in the treatment of selected cases of ulnar compressive neuropathy at the elbow. Furthermore, patients with progressive and intractable pain and sensory complaints should be selected for surgery before the development of atrophy, because both a long duration of symptoms and the presence of atrophy indicate a relatively poor prognosis from decompression.
Sustained Increased Cerebral Blood Flow with Prophylactic Hypertensive Hypervolemic Hemodilution (“Triple-H” Therapy) after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Origitano Thomas C. , Wascher Thomas M. , Reichman Howard O. , Anderson Douglas E.
Published: April 2011

Delayed cerebral ischemia is the major cause of death and disability in patients who initially survive an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In the present study, a protocol for prophylactic hypertensive hypervolemic hemodilution (“triple-H” therapy) was utilized in the treatment of SAH, and the response of cerebral blood flow (CBF) was evaluated. Serial CBF measurements, f1 and CBF15, were performed using the xenon-133 inhalation technique to maximize therapy. Surgery within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage was preferred. In 43 patients with SAH, mean hemoglobin and hematocrit were lowered 3.0 ± 0.3 g/dL and 8.9 ± 0.5%, respectively, over the first 24 hours. Mean f1 and mean CBF15 over the same period increased 34.2 ± 5.8% and 21.2 ± 3.6%, respectively. The maximum mean increase in CBF was 47.2 ± 4.7% for f1 and 30.1 ± 3.2% for CBF15. Cerebral blood flow remained elevated during the 21 days after SAH, irrespective of neurological grade on admission, age, sex, or angiographic arterial narrowing. This is the first report of a consistent method for establishing sustained improvement in CBF after SAH. All patients managed in total compliance with the protocol remained neurologically stable or improved. Two patients developed delayed ischemia and infarction because of the inability to sustain protocol requirements. Thirty-six of the 43 patients (84%) were discharged capable of an independent lifestyle. Triple-H therapy is a safe and effective modality for elevating and sustaining CBF after SAH. In combination with early aneurysm surgery, it can minimize delayed cerebral ischemia and lead to an improved overall outcome.
Meningiomas Involving the Clivus: A Six-Year Experience with 41 Patients
Authors: Sekhar Laligam N. , Jannetta Peter J. , Burkhart Lois E. , Janosky Janine E.
Published: April 2011

A series of 41 meningiomas involving the clivus operated on from July 1983 to January 1990 is reported. The presenting symptoms and signs of these patients were similar to those reported previously. All the patients were evaluated by preand postoperative thin-section, high-resolution computed tomography using soft tissue and bone algorithms. Most of the patients also underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The regions of the clivus involved by tumor were divided into upper, middle, or lower regions on the basis of anatomical landmarks. The diameter of the tumor was measured in three axes, and a tumor volume and a tumor equivalent diameter were computed to categorize tumors as small, medium, large, or giant types. There were 9 medium, 27 large, and 5 giant tumors in this series. Some simple and some complex operative approaches were employed to effect tumor removal. Large and giant tumors often required more than one operative approach to remove the tumor. Intraoperative technical difficulties included tumor consistency, vascularity, dissection from the brain stem, and vascular and cranial nerve encasement. Postoperative computed tomographic scans documented total excision in 32 patients (78%). Residual tumor remained in the clival or cavernous sinus areas. These patients were either being observed, or were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. There was one operative death due to pneumonia (2%), and three patients (7%) suffered permanent major neurological changes, presumably due to vascular occlusions in the posterior circulation. In the follow-up period, which ranged from 3 to 76 months, 2 patients (6%) with tumors that had appeared to be totally excised experienced recurrence. These patients were treated by a second operation, alone or in combination with radiation therapy. Two patients who had subtotal excisions (25%) had evidence of regrowth. In 2 patients, tumor growth continued despite gamma knife radiosurgery or external beam radiotherapy.
The Operative Management of Basilar Impression in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Harkey Louis H. , Crockard Alan H. , Stevens John M. , Smith Roger , Ransford A. O.
Published: April 2011

Four patients with osteogenesis imperfecta and neurologically significant basilar impression have been treated over the past 8 years. The experience has resulted in changes in our therapeutic strategy for this particularly difficult problem. These cases are discussed with respect to the disease process, neurological involvement, radiological findings, and modes of surgical therapy. The errors in management as well as the success resulting from our learning experience are described. Currently, we recommend the extensive removal of the anterior bony compression by a transoral approach. This should be followed by a posterior rigid fixation that transfers the weight of the head to the thoracic spine, in an effort to prevent further basilar invagination.
An Intracranial Mass Lesion in Systemic Xanthogranulomatosis: Case Report
Authors: Miyachi Shigeru , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Takahashi Tatsuo , Saito Kiyoshi , Hashizume Yoshio , Sugita Kenichiro
Published: April 2011

The authors describe a 42-year-old woman with systemic xanthogranulomatosis and bilateral intraorbital tumors, who subsequently developed multiple lesions of the intracranial dura mater, spinal cord, retroperitoneum, pericardium, and mediastinum. Systemic xanthogranulomatosis is histologically similar to systemic Weber-Christian disease, except for the absence of subcutaneous panniculitis. Immunohistochemical studies suggest that this clinical entity can be differentiated from histiocytosis X, because foamy cells in systemic xanthogranulomatosis demonstrate macrophages but not T-zone histiocyte markers. Differentiation of this disease from other intracranial xanthogranulomas and treatment are discussed.
Intracranial Hemorrhage from Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations during Pregnancy and the Puerperium
Authors: Dias Mark S. , Sekhar Laligam N.
Published: April 2011

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) from an intracranial aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation is a grave complication of pregnancy and is responsible for 5 to 12% of all maternal deaths. We critically analyzed 154 cases of verified ICH during pregnancy from an identified intracranial lesion, including 2 patients treated at our institution and 152 cases previously reported in the literature in English. Aneurysms were responsible for ICH in 77% of patients, and arteriovenous malformations in 23%. Hemorrhage occurred antepartum in 92% of patients and postpartum in 8%. Women with angiomatous hemorrhage were younger than those with aneurysmal hemorrhage; however, in contrast to previous reports, we found no differences between angiomatous and aneurysmal hemorrhage with respect to parity or gestational age at the time of the initial hemorrhage. Hypertension and/or albuminuria were present at some time during the pregnancy in 34% of patients with documentation, which sometimes made it difficult to differentiate angiomatous or aneurysmal ICH from that associated with eclampsia. In a logistic regression analysis, surgical management of aneurysms, but not arteriovenous malformations, was associated with significantly lower maternal and fetal mortality, independent of other covariants. For those patients with a lesion not operated on, cesarean delivery afforded no better maternal or fetal outcome than did vaginal delivery. We conclude that the decision to operate after ICH during pregnancy should be based upon neurosurgical principles, whereas the method of delivery should be based upon obstetrical considerations. The perioperative and anesthetic management of the pregnant patient with a neurosurgical complication is discussed.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Angiographically Occult Vascular Malformations: Indications and Preliminary Experience
Authors: Kondziolka Douglas , Lunsford L. Dade , Coffey Robert J. , Bissonette David J. , Flickinger John C.
Published: April 2011

Stereotactic radiosurgery has been shown to treat successfully angiographically demonstrated arteriovenous malformations of the brain. Angiographic obliteration has represented cure and eliminated the risk of future hemorrhage. The role of radiosurgery in the treatment of angiographically occult vascular malformations (AOVMs) has been less well defined. In the initial 32 months of operation of the 201-source cobalt-60 gamma knife at the University of Pittsburgh, 24 patients meeting strict criteria for high-risk AOVMs were treated. Radiosurgery was used conservatively; each patient had sustained two or more hemorrhages and had a magnetic resonance imaging-defined AOVM located in a region of the brain where microsurgical removal was judged to pose an excessive risk. Venous angiomas were excluded by performance of high-resolution subtraction angiography in each patient. Fifteen malformations were in the medulla, pons, and/or mesencephalon, and 5 were located in the thalamus or basal ganglia. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 24 months. Nineteen patients either improved or remained clinically stable and did not hemorrhage again during the follow-up interval. One patient suffered another hemorrhage 7 months after radiosurgery. Five patients experienced temporary worsening of pre-existing neurological deficits that suggested delayed radiation injury. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated signal changes and edema surrounding the radiosurgical target. Dose-volume guidelines for avoiding complications were constructed. Our initial experience indicates that stereotactic radiosurgery can be performed safely in patients with small, well-circumscribed AOVMs located in deep, critical, or relatively inaccessible cerebral locations. Because cerebral angiography is not useful in following patients with AOVMs, long-term magnetic resonance imaging and clinical studies will be necessary to determine whether the natural history of such lesions is changed by radiosurgery.
Cerebral Infarction and Release of Platelet Thromboxane after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Juvela Seppo
Published: April 2011

Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate and the release of thromboxane B2 were studied in 68 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage during the second week after the hemorrhage, when delayed ischemic deterioration most often occurs. Follow-up computed tomographic scans were performed later than 1 month after subarachnoid hemorrhage to reveal permanent hypodense areas consistent with cerebral infarction. Occurrence of hypodense lesions on the follow-up computed tomographic scan was significantly associated with the presence of delayed ischemic deterioration (DID) (P<0.01). Patients with subcortical or cortical cerebral infarctions due to DID released more platelet thromboxane B2 than those with no evidence of a hypodense lesion on the computed tomographic scan (P<0.05). Hypodense areas caused by an intracerebral hematoma or small, deep-seated infarcts due to DID were not associated with significantly elevated release of thromboxane B2, but the lacunar type infarcts were associated with increased aggregation of platelets. The results suggest that augmented platelet function may be involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction due to DID.
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction during Pregnancy
Authors: Cusimano Michael D. , Meffe Filomena M. , Gentili Fred , Sermer Mathew
Published: April 2011

Many women with cerebrospinal fluid shunts are now reaching reproductive age. Shunt malfunction may occur during pregnancy, and management requires a well-planned, combined neurosurgical and obstetrical approach. We present a case of ventriculoperitoneal shunt obstruction manifesting during the third trimester managed successfully in a conservative fashion. The literature on ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction during pregnancy is reviewed.
Spinal Cord Hemangioblastoma with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Cerejo Antόnio , Vaz Rui , Feyo Pedro Barata , Cruz Celso
Published: April 2011

A case of subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a cervical hemangioblastoma is presented. The clinical picture was indistinguishable from that of a subarachnoid hemorrhage from an intracranial lesion. The diagnosis was established by angiography and water-soluble contrast myelography followed by cervical computed tomographic scan. At surgery, the tumor was completely removed, and no neurological deficit was observed after the operation.
“Moustache” Appearance in Craniopharyngiomas: Unique Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomographic Findings of Perifocal Edema
Authors: Higashi Sotaro , Yamashita Junkoh , Fujisawa Hirosuke , Yamamoto Yuuichi , Kadoya Masumi
Published: April 2011

This report describes two cases of craniopharyngioma with perifocal edema. In both patients, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the tumors occupied the suprasellar cistern, invaginated the floor of the 3rd ventricle and were tightly adherent to the ventricular walls. The intraventricular portions of the tumors were cystic, containing protein-rich fluid as suggested by MRI and confirmed by operative findings. There was perifocal edema in the hypothalamus adjacent to the intraventricular tumor, the optic tracts, and the posterior limbs of the internal capsules, resembling the shape of a moustache on axial computed tomographic and MRI scans. The perifocal edema subsided after treatment of the intraventricular tumor by surgical resection or radiation therapy. The “moustache” appearance seems a unique, characteristic feature of perifocal edema, which is observed infrequently with certain craniopharyngiomas.
Disposition of Cerebral Metastases from Malignant Melanoma: Implications for Radiosurgery
Authors: Davey Phillip , O'Brien Peter
Published: April 2011

Radiosurgery is becoming more generally available and indications for its use continue to be defined. Cerebral metastases from malignant melanoma are often treated with whole-brain irradiation, but with limited benefit. Innovative treatments, such as radiosurgery, make possible the delivery of doses of radiation that are higher than usual. To determine how many patients might be candidates for radiosurgery, a retrospective analysis of computed tomographic brain scans performed on 41 patients with cerebral metastases from malignant melanoma was undertaken. One-third of these patients were found to have cerebral metastases amenable to a radiosurgical approach, as illustrated radiation dose-volume histograms. Patient and tumor characteristics suggest that this series is represent? with cerebral metastases from malignant melanoma. The implications of radiosurgery for normal tissue radiation tolerance and its effects on melanoma are discussed.
Immunohistochemical Study of Erythropoietin in Cerebellar Hemangioblastomas Associated with Secondary Polycythemia
Authors: Tachibana Osamu , Yamashima Tetsumori , Yamashita Junkoh
Published: April 2011

Although cerebellar hemangioblastomas are known to be associated with secondary polycythemia, the cellular derivation of erythropoietin (EPO) in hemangioblastomas still remains obscure. Specimens from 18 patients with cerebellar hemangioblastomas were immunohistochemically studied using anti-EPO monoclonal antibody. Eight cases of brain tumors, including 2 meningiomas, 2 medulloblastomas, 2 glioblastomas, and 2 metastatic brain tumors were studied as controls. In 9 of 18 cases, EPO-positive cells were scattered around the capillaries and were ultrastructurally shown to be mast cells. These cases were not, however, associated with secondary polycythemia. In contrast, the stromal cells were positive for EPO in 3 cases. Among them, one was associated with secondary polycythemia. Furthermore, one-half of the control cases of brain tumor contained EPO-positive mast cells. Accordingly, it was suggested that mast cells (or small granulocytes) have little relationship to the release of EPO; however, some stromal cells might release EPO with a resultant polycythemia.
Impairment of Cerebral Autoregulation during the Development of Chronic Cerebral Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Primates
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroaki , Handa Yuji , Kobayashi Hidenori , Kawano Ilirokazu , Hayashi Minoru
Published: April 2011

We studied the impairment of autoregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its effect on the electrical activity of the brain during the development of chronic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, using a vasospasm model in primates. Fourteen animals were divided into two groups: a clot group (8) and a sham-operated group (6). To induce subarachnoid hemorrhage, all the animals underwent craniectomy, and in the clot group, the autologous blood clot was located around the arteries dissected free from the arachnoid membrane. Cerebral angiography was performed before subarachnoid hemorrhage and 7 days after (Day 7). On Day 7, regional CBF in the parietal lobe—measured by the hydrogen clearance method—and central conduction time were studied during either graded hypertension or hypotension. In the clot group, the mean vessel caliber of the cerebral arteries on the right side (clot side) of the circle of Willis showed significant (P<0.01) reduction (more than 40%) as compared with the values on the contralateral, non-clot side. The values for the bilateral parietal CBF in the sham-operated group and the left parietal CBF in the clot group were fairly constant when the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was in the range of 60 to 160 mm Hg. In the clot group, right parietal CBF was significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than that on the left side at an MABP level of 40 to 100 mm Hg, and increased at an MABP level of 180 mm Hg. The right parietal CBF increased as the arterial blood pressure increased, showing impairment of autoregulation. The central conduction time on the right side in the clot group was significantly (P<0.05) prolonged at an MABP of 40 mm Hg. It is suggested that impairment of autoregulation is strongly affected by the development of cerebral vasospasm and that, in this state, a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure easily depresses the electrical function of the brain.
Rupture of a Giant Carotid Aneurysm after Extracranial-to-Intracranial Bypass Surgery
Authors: Anson John A. , Stone James L. , Crowell Robert M.
Published: April 2011

We report a case of a fatal rupture of a previously unruptured giant aneurysm of the bifurcation of the internal carotid artery (ICA). which occurred after an extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass and the partial occlusion of the ICA. Interim angiography showed retrograde filling of the proximal middle cerebral artery to the aneurysm. There have been four previously reported cases of giant aneurysms rupturing after treatment with an EC-IC bypass and carotid ligation. and it appears likely that a change in pressure/flow dynamics produced by the bypass may have been the cause. The technique of carotid ligation with an EC-IC bypass is used frequently to treat unclippablc intracranial aneurysms, and the resulting hemodynamic changes need to be considered carefully to prevent this type of complication. To minimize hemodynamic stress on the aneurysm, we suggest that 1) the bypass caliber should be as small as possible consistent with sufficient cerebral blood flower after ICA occlusion, and 2) complete ICA occlusion should be performed as soon as possible after the bypass.
Intracranial Hypertension in Relation to Memory Functioning during the First Year after Severe Head Injury
Authors: Levin Harvey S. , Eisenberg Howard M. , Gary Howard E. , Marmarou Anthony , Foulkes Mary A. , Jane John A. , Marshall Lawrence F. , Portman Sandra M.
Published: April 2011

The relationship between intracranial hypertension and residual memory deficit after closed head injury was evaluated using the 6-month and 1-year neurobehavioral outcome data obtained by the Traumatic Coma Data Bank. Intracranial pressure was analyzed using the percentage of time that it exceeded 20 mm Hg and the maximum value recorded during the first 72 hours after injury. Memory measures included recall of word lists, prose recall, and visual memory for designs that were obtained 6 months (n = 149) and 1 year (n = 132) after injury. Intracranial hypertension occurred in more than half of the Traumatic Coma Data Bank cohort who met the criteria for the neurobehavioral follow-up study. Linear regression analysis disclosed an effect of elevated intracranial pressure on some, but not all, measures of memory at 6 months, whereas the results were negative for the 1-year follow-up examination. We conclude that the elevation of intracranial pressure exerts little if any effect on later memory functioning, and that any effect it does have diminishes over 1 year in survivors of severe head injury.
The Influence of the Calcium Antagonist Nimodipine and Induced Hypertension on the Behavior of the Cerebral Pial Arteries, the Blood-Brain Barrier, Cerebral Edema, and Cerebral Infarction in Cats with One-Hour Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery
Authors: Sakaki Toshisuke , Tsunoda Shigeru , Morimoto Tetsuya
Published: April 2011

Thirty anesthetized cats were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 10 cats each: nimodipine treatment, nimodipine treatment combined with induced hypertension, or a control group. The behavior of the cerebral pial arteries was measured by means of microscopic observation through a cranial window. The middle cerebral artery of each cat was clipped for 1 hour via the transorbital approach. Five hours after circulation was reestablished in the middle cerebral artery. Evans blue dye was injected intravenously: 30 minutes later, the animal was killed. Administration of nimodipine or saline in the treated or control group was started 5 minutes before the middle cerebral artery was clipped and maintained until the end of the experiment. Induced hypertension was produced by administration of dopamine during the occlusion. Damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was judged by extravasation of Evans blue dye. Cerebral edema and infarction were evaluated from histological findings. They were most prominent in the control group; the extent of the hemisphere affected was as follows (mean ± standard error): extravasation. 40.5 ± 8.8%: edema, 43.2 ± 5.7%: infarction, 35.5 ± 9.6%. On the other hand, the extravasation of Evans blue dye and cerebral edema were significantly more extensive in the group treated with nimodipine and induced hypertension (extravasation, 28.2 ± 9.6% of the hemisphere; edema, 30.3 ± 7.1%) than in the group treated with nimodipine alone (extravasation. 18.5 ± 8.7% of the hemisphere; edema, 19.4 ± 6.3%). but the infarction size was similar in both groups (16.6 ± 4.9% of the hemisphere in the former; 17.0 ± 6.2 in the latter). Based on these results, we arc cautious in combining calcium entry blocking agents such as nimodipine with induced hypertension in patients with acute cerebral ischemia.
Spinal Charcot Arthropathy
Authors: Harrison Michael J. , Sacher Michael , Rosenblum Bruce R. , Rothman Allen S.
Published: April 2011

Charcot joints of the spine are well-documented clinical entities most commonly associated with tabes dorsalis. Spinal neuropathic joints, however, may be produced by other disease processes including syringomyelia. In this review, the authors discuss the cause and treatment of spinal Charcot arthropathy with emphasis on surgical therapy and results.