Marco Marsella

Combined internal uncusectomy and decompressive craniectomy for the treatment of severe closed head injury: experience with 80 cases

OBJECTIVES Transtentorial brain herniation is a major cause of morbidity and death following severe closed head injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selective uncoparahippocampectomy and tentorial splitting as an adjuvant method of treating otherwise uncontrollable elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) while attempting to prevent or minimize the devastating consequences caused by transtentorial herniation. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed data from a series of 80 consecutive cases of severe closed head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score < 8) treated in their neurosurgical unit. All patients had elevated ICP and downward tentorial herniation, as documented with ICP monitoring, and clinical examination and computed tomography, respectively. Given the evidence of acute and ongoing neurological deterioration, all patients were treated with selective uncoparahippocampectomy and tentorial edge incision followed by wide decompressive craniectomy and duraplasty. RESULTS All injuries were caused by blunt trauma with signs of acute and/or progressive increased ICP causing downward transtentorial herniation. Fifty-eight patients were male and 22 were female with a mean age of 35 years and a mean preoperative GCS score of 5. Based on the current American Association of Neurological Surgeons guidelines for head trauma, an intraparenchymal ICP device (Camino, Integra) was placed in all patients who had a GCS score < 8, and ICP was consistently > 20 cm H2O. Whenever possible, risks and benefits were explained to family members, and then surgery was performed within 3-16 hours (median 6 hours). At a mean follow-up of 30 months, the outcome was favorable (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 4 or 5) in 60 patients (75%) and unfavorable (GOS score of 3) in 8 (10%), whereas the remaining 12 patients (15%) died at some point during the postoperative course. There was no survivor patient in a vegetative state. A younger age had a significant effect on positive outcome (p < 0.0005), as did an earlier operation (p < 0.04). The preoperative neurological status as assessed using the GCS as well as pupillary reactivity had no significant effect on outcome (p = 0.054 and p > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A selective uncoparahippocampectomy with a tentorial edge incision and a wide decompressive craniectomy with duraplasty can be an effective adjuvant form of aggressive treatment to improve outcome in patients with severe closed head injury, especially in those who are younger if they are treated promptly.

Jugular foramen paragangliomas: management, outcome and avoidance of complications in a series of 75 cases.

Jugular foramen paragangliomas are rare skull base tumours posing multiple complex diagnostic and management problems. We did a study to evaluate surgical technique, outcome and complications in 75 cases of tumours treated by multidisciplinary approach (i.e. combined neurosurgery, neuroradiology, ear, nose and throat surgery and intensive care unit team). Retrospective study on 75 consecutive patients with jugular foramen paragangliomas treated surgically from 1989 to 2005. Preoperative balloon occlusion test was performed in all patients as well as embolization (100%). A combined limited infratemporal and juxtacondylar approach was used in all patients. Gross total resection was achieved in 59 patients (78.7%). The most common complication was represented by lower cranial nerve deficits in five patients (6.6%), which was only temporary in three. Postoperative facial nerve weakness occurred in five cases (6.6%) and resolved in three of them. The remaining two patients underwent facial nerve reconstruction by hypoglossal/facial nerve anastomosis. Four patients (5.3%) had a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, which was successfully treated by lumbar drainage. Two patients (2.7%) died because of complications related to surgical injury of lower cranial nerves: one patient developed aspiration pneumonia and septicemia and the second one developed a large cervico-bulbar hematoma that led to severe respiratory distress and ultimately global cerebral hypoxia. Paragangliomas are rare and complex skull base lesions that may be managed with low morbidity and mortality if a multidisciplinary approach is considered. Facial and lower cranial nerve postoperative deficits can be limited.

Combined Endoscopic Transsphenoidal–Transventricular Approach for Resection of a Giant Pituitary Macroadenoma

OBJECTIVES Sellar lesions, such as pituitary adenomas, even when extended to the suprasellar space may be usually removed through a trans-sphenoidal approach. Larger lesions extending well beyond the edges of the sellar diaphragm such as giant adenomas are best controlled with craniotomy and/or a combined approach that implies both, transphenoidal and transcranial route. Currently, the availability of more sophisticated endoscopes in this type of surgery has provided optimal angles of view and rendered the trans-sphenoidal route less invasive yet, more effective. CASE DESCRIPTION The authors report a case of a giant pituitary adenoma successfully managed by a simultaneous, combined endoscopic trans-sphenoidal-transventricular approach. CONCLUSION In selected case of giant pituitary adenoma with ventricular extension, this technique may help to achieve a gross total removal avoiding the need of staged procedures allowing also a direct visualization of the extent of removal. Finally this approach can potentially improve gross total resection rate of different types of tumor involving this region such as cranipharyngiomas while reducing morbidity and mortality.

Carotid cavernous aneurysm presenting as pituitary apoplexy

The authors report an interesting case with a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm that presented as a sellar haematoma mimicking radiologically a pituitary adenoma, and clinically a pituitary apoplexy. A 53-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of episodic severe headache and vomiting associated, 3 days prior to admission, with left ophthalmoparesis and transient right hemiparesis. Brain MRI showed a large intra- and suprasellar mass suggestive of a pituitary macroadenoma. Hormonal profiles showed hyperprolactinaemia and subsequent cerebral angiography demonstrated a carotid cavernous aneurysm. The patient underwent surgery via a subfrontal approach to manage both lesions. At operation, the suspected pituitary adenoma was revealed to be a sellar haematoma; the aneurysm was successfully clipped. Postoperatively, the patient developed hypotension and right hemiparesis which, as well as the third nerve paresis, progressively improved to full recovery. At 12 months follow-up the patient is neurologically intact and generally well. The clinical features, the management of such a case and the importance of differential diagnosis in the acute stage are emphasised and discussed along with relevant literature.

Surgical management of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are the most common type of spinal arteriovenous malformations. Treatment options consist of microsurgical exclusion and/or endovascular embolization. We retrospectively identified all patients who benefited from surgical treatment at our tertiary center between January 2001 and December 2008. Clinical and imaging data were collected from patient files, including pre- and post-operative formal neurological examination, complete spine MRI and spinal digital subtraction angiography. Of our 30 patients, 25 were men and five were women with a median age of 62 years (range 24-76). The average delay between symptom onset and clinical diagnosis was 27 months (range 1-90). Complete cure of the fistula was obtained in all patients in a single surgical session with no procedural complications and no surgical morbidity. After a mean follow-up period of 32 months (range 14-128), 25 patients (83%) had improved, four were stable and one worsened. Despite recent advances in endovascular techniques and materials, there is a subgroup of patients for which surgery remains the best treatment option. Careful patient selection, a multidisciplinary approach and standardized surgical techniques can lead to excellent results with virtually no complications.

Vertebral Artery Loop—A Cause of Cervical Radiculopathy

OBJECTIVE To report a case of cervical radiculopathy caused by an anomalous vertebral artery (VA) and illustrate the efficacy of microvascular decompression by the anterolateral approach. METHODS A 50-year-old woman was referred because of an 8-year history of progressive left C6 radiculopathy refractory to other forms of treatment, including C5-6 anterior cervical discectomy. Clinical and radiologic evaluation showed an abnormally tortuous loop of V2 causing direct neurovascular compression. RESULTS A left cervical anterolateral approach was used to expose the anomalous loop. After a generous bony decompression, the loop was identified, and the artery was mobilized and ultimately separated from the C6 nerve root removing the direct pulsatile compression. CONCLUSIONS Cervical root compression by an aberrant or anomalous extracranial VA is a rare cause of radiculopathy. The best management of such lesions is the anterolateral approach with bony and direct microvascular decompression.

Endoscopic removal of a central neurocytoma from the posterior third ventricle.

Central neurocytoma is a rare benign tumor that most commonly arises within the ventricular system of young adults. Its occurrence in the posterior third ventricle is one of the least reported presentations. These tumors are usually treated by a combination of either biopsy or open surgical resection, often followed by radiation (Gamma knife or Novalis) with or without chemotherapy. A 37-year-old woman with a posterior third ventricle neurocytoma presented with acute signs of aqueductal stenosis. The patient underwent endoscopic assisted gross total resection of the tumor with the aid of intraoperative laser followed by standard third ventriculostomy; no further treatment was required. The patient did not develop any subsequent neurological deficit. A 36-month follow-up was still consistent with a normal neurological examination. Serial post-operative MRIs show neither residual nor recurrent tumor. Thus, posterior third ventricle central neurocytomas are relatively benign tumors that can be successfully removed using a minimally invasive approach, thereby avoiding both the morbidity related to conventional open craniotomy and the potential toxicity of any adjuvant treatment.

Dorsal epidural spinal lipomatosis

The authors report a case of a thoracic epidural spinal lipomatosis causing severe neurological deficits along the review of pertinent literature. The patient is a 56-year-old woman who presented with acute onset of severe paraparesis; she was investigated with cervical and thoracic MRI and then surgically managed because of an intraspinal mass compressing the cord. The operation consisted in the excision of the mass confirmed to be a fibrolipoma by pathological analysis. The patient attained complete neurological recovery and at 18 months follow-up she reported a generalised well-being. Thoracic lipomas are rare lesions that presenting mostly with back pain; however, in rare instances they may cause progressive and/or abrupt neurological dysfunction. Appropriate imaging can help in the diagnosis and management of such cases.

The "Skull Flap" a new conceived device for decompressive craniectomy/cranioplasty: Feasibility study on cadaver specimen

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a procedure that is currently performed with increasing frequency. The reason is that its indications have become much broader. This procedure may be associated with the relevant morbidity in the postoperative stage due to the creation of a large bone defect. On the other hand, cranioplasty is associated too with some of the common complications related to any reconstructive head surgery. The authors present a newly developed device: The “Skull Flap” (SF). This new device allows the surgeon to complete a DC, yet providing at the same time a cranial reconstruction that will not require the patient to undergo a second reconstructive procedure. Materials and Methods: Different size and location craniectomies were carried out on four human cadaveric heads; the bone flaps were then repositioned in a more elevated position with respect to the skull edges. The flaps were placed at a distance of 12 and 15 mm from the skull edges using the SF system. Crash tests were conducted on each flap while in open and closed positions to assess its reliability and efficacy. Results: SF was shown to be a strong fixation device that allows satisfactory brain decompression by keeping the original bone flap away from the swollen brain; at the same time, in a later stage, it allows cranial reconstruction in a simple way. Conclusion: The SF device was shown to be very easy to use, adaptable, and practical to apply; thus, allowing both satisfactory brain decompression as well as bone flap repositioning at a later time after the brain swelling has subsided.

The therapeutic effect of cranioplasty in severe head injuries: Report of two cases

Aesthetic appearance and brain protection are the main indications for cranial reconstruction following decompressive craniectomy. Recently, few reports indicated that cranioplasty could also improve both, cognitive and functional status. A group of 20 patients were treated with decompressive craniectomy following closed head injury; among these patients, two of them (who represent the subject of the current investigation) had to undergo subsequent cranioplasty removal due to the development of local infection. All patients were evaluated by Glasgow outcome scale, frontal assessment battery and mini-mental state examination at 1 week before completion of the cranioplasty as well as 6 and 24 weeks following cranioplasty. Perfusion computed tomography scans were also performed (1 week before and 6 weeks after cranioplasty) as well as a trans-cranial Doppler 1 week before, and 6 and 24 weeks after. The two patients being the subject of this study were also clinically and radiologically evaluated after cranioplasty removal. These two patients, who represent (not intentionally) two case control, showed a real clinical and cerebral perfusion improvement following repair of the skull defect followed by obvious clinical worsening after the skull flap had to be removed. Cranioplasty is likely not to have just a positive influence on cosmetic and protective features of the patients but also seem to improve both, cognitive and functional status by favorably influencing local and global brain hemodynamic and perfusion.