Chandra Ps

Distraction, compression, and extension reduction of basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation: a novel pilot technique.

BACKGROUND The management of basilar invagination (BI) and atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is a challenge. OBJECTIVE To describe a new innovative method to reduce BI and AAD through a single-stage posterior approach. METHODS Thirty-five patients had irreducible BI and AAD (May 2010 to April 2012). In all patients, reduction of AAD and BI was achieved by using an innovative method of distraction and spacer placement, followed by compression and extension. A C1 lateral mass/C2 translaminar screw was performed in cases where the C1 arch was not assimilated, and occipito-C2 translaminar screw fixation was performed in cases where the C1 arch was assimilated. RESULTS Thirty-two of 35 (94%) patients improved clinically and 2 patients had stable symptoms (mean Nurick postoperative score = 1.4; preoperative score = 3.7). AAD reduced completely in 33/35 patients and >50% in 2. BI improved significantly in all patients. Solid bone fusion was demonstrated in 24 patients with at least 1-year follow-up (range, 12-39 months; mean, 19.75 + 7.09 months). The duration of surgery was 80 to 190 minutes, and blood loss was 90 to 500 mL (mean, 170 ± 35 mL). There was 1 death because of cardiac etiology and 1 morbidity (wound infection). CONCLUSION Distractive compressive extension and reduction of BI and AAD seems to be an effective and safe method of treatment. It is different from the earlier described techniques, because it is the first procedure that uses a spacer not, only for distraction, but also as a pivot to perform extension to reduce the AAD.

Role of simvastatin in prevention of vasospasm and improving functional outcome after aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial

Abstract Background. Vasospasm plays a major role in the morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The preliminary studies suggest that statins protect against cerebral vasospasm. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the role of simvastatin in preventing clinical vasospasm and improving functional outcome in patients with aSAH. Methods. All patients with aSAH admitted within 96 h of ictus were randomized to receive either Simvastatin or placebo – 80 mg/day for 14 days. Thirty eight patients were recruited in the study- 19 received Simvastatin and 19 placebo. All the patients underwent surgical clipping of the aneurysm. The primary outcome of the study was the development of clinical cerebral vasospasm. The secondary outcomes included Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and Barthel Index Score (MBI) at follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months. Results. 16% of the patients in the simvastatin group had high Middle Cerebral Artery velocities (> 160 cm/sec) on transcranial Doppler on one or more than one day during the study duration as compared to 26% of the patients in the placebo group (p = 0.70). Neurological deterioration occurred in 26% and 42% of the patients in simvastatin group versus placebo group, respectively (p = 0.31). There was an improvement in the functional outcome in the simvastatin group at 1, 3 or 6 months in the follow-up; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions. There was benefit of simvastatin in terms of reduction in clinical vasospasm, mortality or improved functional outcome, however, this was not statistically significant.

Surgery for medically intractable epilepsy due to postinfectious etiologies.

Medically intractable epilepsy (MIE) resulting from postinfectious etiologies requiring surgery have been uncommonly reported. A series of 28 cases are presented (hospital prevalence 5.7%). The mean duration of epilepsy prior to surgery was 8.2 ± 2.1 years. The mean time of onset of epilepsy after central nervous system infection was 1.4 ± 0.9 years (range 0–19 years). The pathologies included postpyogenic meningitic/encephalitic sequel (8), neurocysticercosis (6), tuberculomas/posttuberculous etiology (4), postpyogenic abscess of otogenic etiology (4), posttraumatic abscess–related gliosis (2), and gliosis of unknown infectious etiology (4) cases. Surgery included mesial temporal (11), lateral temporal (4), frontal (9), parietal (2) resections and hemispherotomy (1). Hippocampal sclerosis was seen in nine cases (4 neurocysticercosis) and this occurred in younger persons as compared to neocortical epilepsies. Good outcome (Engel class I and II) was seen in 23 of 28 cases (Engel class I in 17).

The severity of basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation correlates with sagittal joint inclination, coronal joint inclination, and craniocervical tilt: a description of new indexes for the craniovertebral junction.

BACKGROUND: Joint-distraction and intra-operative manipulation surgeries to correct basilar invagination (BI) and atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) are becoming standard procedures. However, current data are unable to aid in the understanding of normal and abnormal morphology of the C1/C2 joints. OBJECTIVE: To study various aspects of C1/C2 joint morphology to create normative and patient data on joint abnormalities that could provide the surgeon with objective data for surgical planning and approach. METHODS: Seventy patients (age, 15-45 years) were compared with an equal number of age- and sex-matched control subjects (age, 21.9 ± 8.2 years) with irreducible BI and AAD from a developmental origin (May 2010-July 2013). Joint anatomy was studied with the use of thin-slice computed tomography scans. The joint parameters studied included sagittal joint inclination, craniocervical tilt, coronal joint inclination, surface area, joint overlap index, and joint reciprocity. The severity of BI and the severity of AAD were compared. RESULTS: Sagittal joint inclination and craniocervical tilt significantly correlated with both BI and AAD (P < .01). Coronal joint inclination correlated with BI (P = .2). The mean sagittal joint inclination value in control subjects was 87.15 ± 5.65° and in patients with BI and AAD was 127.1 ± 22.05°. The mean craniocervical tilt value in controls was 60.2 ± 9.2° and in patients with BI and AAD was 84.0 ± 15.1°. The mean coronal joint inclination value in control subjects was 110.3 ± 4.23° and in patients with BI and AAD was 121.15 ± 14.6°. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated for the first time the important role of joint orientation and its correlation with the severity of BI and AAD and has described new joint indexes. ABBREVIATIONS: AAD, atlantoaxial dislocation AP, anteroposterior BI, basilar invagination CVJ, craniovertebral junction

Role of concordance between ictal-subtracted SPECT and PET in predicting long-term outcomes after epilepsy surgery

OBJECTIVE F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and ictally subtracted single photon emission tomography (iSPECT) are important for localizing the epileptogenic focus. The following study analyzes the role of inter-concordance between FDG-PET and iSPECT in predicting long-term outcomes after epilepsy surgery. METHODS We prospectively evaluated (January 2003-January 2008) patients undergoing surgery for temporal or extratemporal drug refractory epilepsy (DRE) who had at least a 5 years follow up. Patients with MRI and video EEG (vEEG) concordance for the seizure focus underwent iSPECT and FDG-PET. Concordance of the iSPECT and FDG-PET with each other and with the substrate (defined by MRI and vEEG) for temporal and extra-temporal epilepsies was evaluated and correlated with outcomes. RESULTS One hundred twenty-three patients (74 males) were included in the study (mean age at time of surgery: 18.9±10.41 years). The mean age of onset of seizures was 9.87±8.37 years. The most common semiology was complex partial (45%). When both FDG-PET and iSPECT were concordant with each other, this translated into a (class I Engel at 5 years) outcome of 62% for extra-temporal epilepsies (provided they were also concordant with the lesion, as defined by MRI and vEEG). This percentage was significant (p<0.01) compared with all other situations (both FDG-PET/iSPECT not concordant to MRI/vEEG, only PET or iSPECT concordant with MRI/vEEG). This correlation was not found for the temporal epilepsies, where the MRI and vEEG were the most important prognostic parameters. In both temporal and extratemporal epilepsies the concordance of the iSPECT/FDG-PET with the MRI/vEEG correlated with a better 5-year outcome (temporal: 70% vs 25%; extra-temporal: 62% vs 33%; p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE Concordance between non-invasive investigations iSPECT and FDG-PET is an important predictive factor for surgical outcomes in extra-temporal epilepsy.

Endoscopy-assisted interhemispheric transcallosal hemispherotomy: preliminary description of a novel technique.

BACKGROUND Various hemispherotomy techniques have been developed to reduce complication rates and achieve the best possible seizure control. OBJECTIVE To present a novel and minimally invasive endoscopy-assisted approach to perform this procedure. METHODS Endoscopy-assisted interhemispheric transcallosal hemispherotomy was performed in 5 children (April 2013-June 2014). The procedure consisted of performing a small craniotomy (4 × 3 cm) just lateral to midline using a transverse skin incision. After dural opening, the surgery was performed with the assistance of a rigid high-definition endoscope, and bayoneted self-irrigating bipolar forceps and other standard endoscopic instruments. Steps included a complete corpus callosotomy followed by the disconnection of the hemisphere at the level of the basal nuclei and thalamus. The surgeries were performed in a dedicated operating room with intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging and neuronavigation. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a total disconnection. RESULTS The pathologies for which surgeries were performed included sequelae of middle a cerebral artery infarct (n = 2), Rasmussen syndrome (n = 1), and hemimegalencephaly (2). Four patients had an Engel class I and 1 patient had a class II outcome at a mean follow-up of 10.2 months (range, 3-14 months). The mean blood loss was 80 mL, and mean operating time was 220 minutes. There were no complications in this study. CONCLUSION This study describes a pilot novel technique and the feasibility of performing a minimally invasive, endoscopy-assisted hemispherotomy.

Monitored gradual occlusion of the internal carotid artery followed by ligation for giant internal carotid artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate a technique of gradual monitored occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) followed by ligation for giant aneurysms as an option for balloon test occlusion followed by permanent ligation of ICA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Authors retrospectively analyzed 27 patients with giant and complex ICA aneurysms who underwent carotid artery ligation between January 2001 and December 2010. Clinical presentation included headache, vision loss and diplopia. There were 19 patients with cavernous aneurysm, 5 supraclinoid, 1 ophthalmic, 1 petrous segment and 1 cervical segment aneurysm located extracranially. All demonstrated good cross-circulation. Selverstone clamp was used for gradual occlusion of the ICA over 72 h under closed observation in the intensive care unit. RESULTS Six patients developed hemiparesis in the postoperative period. Improvement occurred in one patient over two to three weeks while the remaining five patients had residual hemiparesis. One patient developed malignant MCA infarct for which decompressive craniectomy had to be done. There was no mortality in the present series. CONCLUSIONS Gradual monitored occlusion and ICA ligation may be a simple, safe alternative procedure to clipping in surgically inaccessible and complex aneurysms, especially for surgeons with limited experience. Cross circulation study is an absolute requisite for carotid ligation.

Pediatric bony craniovertebral junction abnormalities: Institutional experience of 10 years.

Objective: To study the clinical features and treatment outcome of pediatric patients with bony craniovertebral abnormalities. Materials and Methods: The authors studied 189 consecutive cases of pediatric bony craniovertebral junction abnormalities operated between 2001 and March, 2010. Results: The pathologies were developmental (n = 162), traumatic (n = 18) and tuberculous (n = 9). Surgical procedures included transoral decompression (n = 118), occipitocervical fusion (OCF, n = 139), C 1 -C 2 fusion (n = 45), and posterior fossa decompression (n = 5). Methods for OCF included contoured stainless steel rods (n = 86), titanium lateral mass screws and plates (n = 47) and steel wires (n = 6). Constructs of all patients of posterior fixation with contoured rods and wires or lateral mass screw and rod who could be followed up were either stable/fused or were fused and stable. No implant failure was noticed among these two surgical procedures. However, 6 patients with C 1-C 2 fusion had broken wires on follow-up requiring repeat posterior fixation. Good neurological outcome was observed even in poor-grade patients. No significant effect on the curvature or growth of the spine was observed at follow-up. Conclusions: Pediatric craniovertebral junction anomalies can be managed successfully with good outcomes using a low cost contoured rod and wires.

Management of hypoglossal schwannomas: single institutional experience of 14 cases.

Background Hypoglossal schwannomas are rare intracranial neoplasms. Microsurgical resection with the goal of cure is the aim of management but is associated with a high rate of postoperative morbidity. Objective The objective of the study was to outline the clinical presentation, radiologic characteristics, surgical techniques, postoperative morbidity, and long-term follow-up results for hypoglossal schwannomas. Methods Patients treated for hypoglossal schwannoma at the Department of Neurosurgery of a tertiary-level referral institution from January 2001 until December 2010 were analyzed retrospectively using hospital records. Results There were 14 patients who were treated in the study period. Tongue atrophy and swallowing difficulties were the most common presenting symptoms. Surgery done in 12 patients using a variety of approaches (retromastoid retrosigmoid suboccipital in 9, midline suboccipital in 2, and far lateral in 1). Five patients having small residual tumors received gamma knife (GK) subsequently. two patients received primary GK stereotactic radiosurgery. Three patients had permanent morbidity in the form of cranial nerve paresis. Immediate postoperative complications like cerebrospinal fluid leak and pneumonia were present in three patients. Conclusion Complete microsurgical resection is often associated with a high rate of morbidity. Subtotal and near-total resection followed by stereotactic radiosurgery or observation now offers an alternative approach.

Successful surgical excision of a nondysraphic holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in a 14-month-old child.

Introduction: Nondysraphic intramedullary lipomas of the spinal cord are rare lesions. They are most commonly seen in the second or third decade of life. Their occurrence in the pediatric age group is even rarer. Case Report: The authors describe a 14-month-old child who presented with delayed motor milestones involving the bilateral lower limbs. The child was unable to sit or stand. MRI revealed a dorsally located intramedullary lipoma extending from C7 to D12. The child underwent C7–L1 laminotomy and gross total excision of the lipoma. Postoperatively, the child improved neurologically and attained normal power in the bilateral lower limbs. Discussion: Very few cases of extensive intramedullary lipomas involving the dorsal cord have previously been reported. Only two cases of pediatric extensive dorsal lipomas have been mentioned to date. The authors describe successful surgical excision of a holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in a 14-month-old child. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case being reported of a holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in the youngest patient.