Matthieu Vinchon

Confessed abuse versus witnessed accidents in infants: comparison of clinical, radiological, and ophthalmological data in corroborated cases

BackgroundThe diagnosis of inflicted head injury (IHI) or accidental trauma (AT) in infants is based on clinical, radiological, and/or ophthalmological findings such as subdural hematoma (SDH), encephalopathy, retinal hemorrhage (RH), and signs of impact. As a consequence, the diagnostic value of these criteria is difficult to assess because of a circularity bias.PurposeIn order to assess the predictive value of these diagnostic criteria avoiding circularity, we studied prospectively corroborated cases of head injuries in infants, comparing IHI with AT.Material and methodsWe selected 45 cases of confessed IHI and 39 cases of AT having occurred in public places. Patients were systematically evaluated clinically, with computed tomography scanner and ophthalmological evaluation by a trained ophthalmologist. RH was rated as absent, mild, and severe, according to the depth and extent of the RH.ResultsBrain ischemia was found in 26.7% of IHI; the most prominent elements in favor of IHI were SDH, severe RH, and absence of signs of impact; the predictive diagnostic values of these three features were 0.685, 0.961, and 0.830, respectively; however, only severe RH in the absence of ocular impact was specific of IHI. When all three features were combined, the specificity was 100%, but the sensitivity was only 24.4%.ConclusionOur study confirms the high diagnostic value of RH, SDH, and signs of impact for the differential diagnosis between AT and IHI. The evaluation of head injuries in infants requires a high level of awareness and thorough and systematic examination by a trained multidisciplinary team.

Shunt revision for asymptomatic failure: surgical and clinical results.

OBJECTIVEShunt obstruction represents a permanent threat for patients with shunts, and its prevention and treatment are important parts of neurosurgeons’ duties. Although there is little discussion regarding the need to reoperate for treatment of symptomatic shunt failure (SSF), the need to reoperate for treatment of asymptomatic shunt failure (ASF) is debated, as are the guidelines for the follow-up monitoring of patients with shunts. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of systematic follow-up monitoring and shunt revision for ASF; we reviewed our database to compare the results of shunt revision for ASF versus SSF. METHODSWe defined ASF as shunt failure diagnosed for an asymptomatic patient during a systematic consultation. In our institution, children who receive shunts for treatment of hydrocephalus are systematically monitored in an outpatient clinic, with clinical examinations and plain x-rays. Among 1564 children with shunts, who were monitored for a mean of 10.7 years, 1106 (70.7%) required at least one shunt revision. The indication for the first revision was SSF in 609 cases and ASF in 305 cases; the indication was not specified in 192 cases. We studied the surgical outcomes after the first shunt revision and compared the results for SSF and ASF. RESULTSAfter the first revision, shunt infections and subsequent shunt failure were significantly less frequent in the ASF group, compared with the SSF group. The interval between the first shunt revision and subsequent shunt failure was significantly longer in the ASF group. CONCLUSIONOur data support the practice of systematic follow-up monitoring for patients with shunts, for the early diagnosis and systematic treatment of ASF.

Infantile subdural hematomas due to traffic accidents

The most common cause of subdural hematomas (SDH) in infants is shaken-baby syndrome (SBS). The pathogenesis and natural history of infantile SDH (ISDH) are poorly documented, because in SBS, the date of shaking is usually imprecise and the assault is often repeated. Victims of traffic accidents (TA) form a study group close to experimental conditions, because the trauma is unique, witnessed and dated. We reviewed 18 cases of SDH due to TA in infants under the age of 24 months. Our goal was to investigate the clinical and radiological data and natural history of SDH. A subdural collection was found on the day of trauma in 7 cases. In 3 of these, the collection was already hypodense. The perifalcine region was the most frequent site of intracranial bleeding. Blood hyperdensity was always found on CT scans performed during the first week, and turned hypodense on about the 9th day. Three patients had retinal hemorrhage, of a type distinct from that found in SBS. Drainage of the SDH was required in 14 cases after a mean delay of 13.5 ± 5.8 days after trauma. Four patients also required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt because of associated hydrocephalus. Our data suggest that impaired CSF drainage plays a large role in the pathogenesis of ISDH. The fact that a single and recent trauma can result in mixed-density ISDH can be of great importance in forensic medicine.

Bowel perforation caused by peritoneal shunt catheters: diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The peritoneum is the preferred site for insertion of shunts used for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Bowel perforation by peritoneal catheters (BPPC) is a rare but devastating complication. Its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment are debated. METHODS: Retrospective review of cases of BPPC in a series of 1956 patients having a peritoneal catheter followed up for a mean duration of 10.0 years. RESULTS: Nineteen observations of BPPC, representing 1.0% of the total series. Nine of 19 patients were nonambulatory, and nine of 19 had a previous history of meningeal infection. At the time of diagnosis, only three of the 19 patients had anal extrusion of the catheter, 14 had fever, nine had abdominal signs and symptoms, and six had cutaneous signs of infection. Radiological investigations were often negative or inconclusive. In seven of the patients, the initial diagnosis was shunt failure, and BPPC was diagnosed only during shunt revision. Once the correct diagnosis was made, the treatment was total shunt removal, external drainage, and antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks. Three patients, all severely impaired before BPPC, died, one of meningeal sepsis, the others of multiorgan failure related to spastic tetraparesis. Three were considered shunt-independent, two had a ventriculoatrial shunt, and the others had a new shunt with a peritoneal catheter without complication. CONCLUSION: BPPC is a neurosurgical emergency. Anal extrusion is present in only a minority of patients; the diagnosis of BPPC is often difficult, delayed, and its incidence is likely underestimated. The majority of patients can be treated with a new peritoneal shunt after cure of the infection.

Cerebellar gliomas in children with NF1 : pathology and surgery

Abstract Cerebellar gliomas associated with NF1 (CGNF1) are rarely reported in the literature, and they are considered to be malignant in a high proportion of cases. In an attempt to improve the definition of this disease and clarify its management, we reviewed our patients with CGNF1 and compared their tumors with sporadic cerebellar gliomas (SGC). We operated on six children with CGNF1, all but one of whom were asymptomatic. They represented one-tenth of all pediatric cerebellar gliomas, and one third of NF1- associated gliomas seen in our institution. CGNF1 appeared at a later age than SCG. They are seated near the roof of the IV ventricle and are not related to white matter hypersignal hamartomas. Most of these tumors showed radiological progression. They were four pilocytic astrocytomas, one ganglioglioma, and one malignant astrocytoma. One patient had tumor recurrence after 8 years, and the others are still disease free. The overall outcome appeared to be better for GCNF1 than for SCG. On account of the regular growth, uncertain pathology, and good surgical outcome, we advocate systematic resection of these tumors.

Intradural epidermoid cysts of the cerebellopontine angle: diagnosis and surgery.

ABSTRACT: WE REPORT ON our recent experience with epidermoid cysts in the cerebellopontine angle. We operated on nine patients since 1985, seven of which were investigated with magnetic resonance imaging. Since the arrival of modern neuroimaging, large lesions can be found with only discrete symptoms, such as isolated tinnitus or unspecific headache. With computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, preoperative diagnosis was achieved for most patients; sometimes, however, epidermoid cysts may be very similar to arachnoid cysts. Surgery is the only possible treatment. The decision to operate should be carefully discussed for each patient, particularly if the patient is asymptomatic. The extent of the lesion at the anterior aspect of the brain stem, and sometimes above the tentorium cerebelli, fragile cortex, and vessels, and hazards of postoperative chemical meningitis often make such surgery difficult. The surgeon should not attempt total removal of the cyst membrane. Most patients who undergo surgery, however, recover well, with no or few sequelae. With a mean 3‐year follow‐up, no recurrence occurred, despite partial removal, as a result of the peculiarly slow growth of these lesions.

Subdural hematoma in infants: can it occur spontaneously? Data from a prospective series and critical review of the literature

BackgroundSubdural hematomas (SDH) in infants often result from nonaccidental head injury (NAHI), which is diagnosed based on the absence of history of trauma and the presence of associated lesions. When these are lacking, the possibility of spontaneous SDH in infant (SSDHI) is raised, but this entity is hotly debated; in particular, the lack of positive diagnostic criteria has hampered its recognition. The role of arachnoidomegaly, idiopathic macrocephaly, and dehydration in the pathogenesis of SSDHI is also much discussed.PurposeWe decided to analyze apparent cases of SSDHI from our prospective databank.Materials and methodsWe selected cases of SDH in infants without systemic disease, history of trauma, and suspicion of NAHI. All cases had fundoscopy and were evaluated for possible NAHI. Head growth curves were reconstructed in order to differentiate idiopathic from symptomatic macrocrania.ResultsSixteen patients, 14 males and two females, were diagnosed with SSDHI. Twelve patients had idiopathic macrocrania, seven of these being previously diagnosed with arachnoidomegaly on imaging. Five had risk factors for dehydration, including two with severe enteritis. Two patients had mild or moderate retinal hemorrhage, considered not indicative of NAHI. Thirteen patients underwent cerebrospinal fluid drainage. The outcome was favorable in almost all cases; one child has sequels, which were attributable to obstetrical difficulties.ConclusionSSDHI exists but is rare and cannot be diagnosed unless NAHI has been questioned thoroughly. The absence of traumatic features is not sufficient, and positive elements like macrocrania, arachnoidomegaly, or severe dehydration are necessary for the diagnosis of SSDHI.

Supratentorial Ependymoma in Children

The clinical and pathological characteristics of supratentorial ependymomas (STE) in children are not well identified in the literature, because most series deal with ependymomas regardless of their location or the age of the patient. As a result, the pathological description of the disorder is still debated. We therefore reviewed our cases of children operated for STE and compared them with cases of infratentorial ependymomas (ITE) to provide a better characterization of STE and suggest guidelines for treatment. From 1985 to 1999, we operated 18 children for STE, almost half of which developed with no connection to the ventricular system. Intraoperative bleeding and infiltration of the basal ganglia prevented total removal in 4 cases and were the main causes of operative mortality and morbidity. The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 54 and 37%, respectively, and were highly affected by the extent of resection, but not by histological grade. Because of the high recurrence rate, we recommend systematic postoperative irradiation limited to the tumor site for all high-grade tumors in older children, and reoperation after subtotal removal and for recurrences.

Cerebellar atrophy after severe traumatic head injury in children

Abstract  Object: The purpose of this study was to describe late neuropathological MRI findings in pediatric severe head injury and to explore the relationship between these lesions and cognitive sequelae. Methods: Thirteen infants with severe head trauma (Glasgow 6) were included in this investigation. Clinical examination, a battery of tests designed to assess neurophysiological status, and MRI investigations of the brain were obtained in periods ranging between 8 and 20 months after the accident. Hemosiderin deposits, encephalomalacia, and cerebellar atrophy were the most frequent traumatic sequelae. The lesions were located in frontal lobes, the basal ganglia, and the cerebellum. Six patients had cerebellar atrophy associated with frontal or temporal postraumatic lesions. Cerebellar clinical dysfunction was observed in only 3 of these patients. Performance on tests evaluating frontal lobe functions was depressed in 5 of them. Conclusions: Late MRI after severe head trauma in our pediatric population showed unexpected cerebellar atrophy. Its correlation with prefrontal dysfunction is difficult to confirm because of its association with other parenchymal post-traumatic lesions. Further research involving a larger sample of patients with brain injury of varying severity is in progress, to investigate whether cerebellar atrophy could be a consequence of severe head trauma.

Craniopharyngiomas in children: recurrence, reoperation and outcome

IntroductionCraniopharyngioma bears a high rate of recurrence and morbidity in childhood. Although the outcome after recurrence and reoperation is an important parameter for the long-term evaluation of craniopharyngioma, it is poorly documented in literature.Materials and methodsWe studied children reoperated for recurrent craniopharyngioma in our institution since the advent of computed tomography (CT) scanner. Reoperation for tumor resection was decided whenever the recurrence was solid, with the aim total resection if possible and reasonable. Stereotactic techniques were used in case of cystic recurrence, and external irradiation was used only in case of recurrent tumor not amenable to surgery.ResultsFrom September 1981 to January 2007, we performed one or more reoperations in 20 children presenting with recurrent craniopharyngiomas. The total number of reoperations was 29: resection was total in 12 cases, near-total in 8 cases, partial in 8 cases, and undocumented in 1. In addition, stereotactic procedures were performed in 11 cases, and 5 patients underwent external irradiation.DiscussionNo patient died after surgery or because of tumor progression; one patient died abruptly of an undiagnosed cause during external irradiation. The event-free survival after reoperation was 49.9% at 5years and 40.0% at 10years. At last control, after a mean follow-up of 70.4months after the last surgery, nine patients were tumor-free and ten had stable disease.ConclusionReoperation for recurrent craniopharyngioma is an efficient method for tumor control and should be proposed whenever the recurrent tumor is solid. Morbidity results above all from tumor aggressiveness, rather than from surgical damage.