Sanjay Kukreja

Jarcho-Levin syndrome with diastematomyelia : A case report and review of literature

Jarcho–Levin syndrome (JLS) is a type of segmental costovertebral malformation. It is a congenital disorder characterized by a variety of vertebral and costal anomalies. Only four cases of Jarcho–Levin syndrome with diastematomyelia have been reported in the literature. We report the fifth case of Jarcho–Levin syndrome with diastematomyelia and review the literature. A one-and-half-year-old male child born of full-term normal delivery was brought with complaints of progressively increasing weakness in lower limbs with inability to stand since 1 month. Radiological examination revealed irregular fusion of ribs, spina bifida, and diastematomyelia at L2–L3 vertebral level. The patient underwent L1 to L3 laminectomy. A large bony spur was identified and excised with microrongeurs. Spondylocostal dysplasia may be associated with diastematomyelia or other surgically correctable occult intraspinal anomalies which may be diagnosed in early asymptomatic stage by magnetic resonance image screening of spine.

Cervical intradural disc herniation and cerebrospinal fluid leak

Cervical intradural disc herniation (IDH) is a rare condition and only 25 cases of cervical have been reported. We report a 45-year-old male who presented with sudden onset right lower limb weakness after lifting heavy weight. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed C5/6 disc prolapse with intradural extension. The patient underwent C5/6 discectomy through anterior cervical approach. Postoperatively, the patient improved in stiffness but developed cerebrospinal fluid leak and the leak resolved with multiple lumbar punctures.

Dolichoectasia of vertebrobasilar arteries as a cause of hydrocephalus

Dolichoectasia of vertebrobasilar artery is a condition in which the vertebral/basilar artery is elongated, distended and tortuous. It is usually asymptomatic. It may present with compressive or ischemic symptoms. Hydrocephalus as a complication of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is rare. We present a case of a 60-year-old male with dolichoectasia of the basilar artery causing compression of the third ventricular outflow and, thus, presenting with noncommunicating hydrocephalus.

An anterior high cervical retropharyngeal approach for C1-C2 intrafacetal fusion and transarticular screw insertion.

Craniovertebral instability is a significant challenge to neurosurgeons. We describe an alternative anterior high cervical retropharyngeal approach for C1-C2 intrafacetal fusion and transarticular screw insertion. We dissected 10 cadaveric specimens and fixed the atlantoaxial joint with C1-C2 intrafacetal fusion and transarticular screw insertion. We achieved good surgical exposure and fixation in all cadavers with this technique. The anterior high cervical retropharyngeal approach for C1-C2 intrafacetal fusion and transarticular screw insertion may provide an alternative fusion technique for craniovertebral fusion.

Malignant hyperthermia: Dantrolene sodium - A must have

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Fat graft migration causing recurrent cervical cord compression.

AIM Fat graft migration following spinal cord surgery is an uncommon problem. Only few cases of fat graft migration causing cauda equine syndrome, recurrent sciatica, and root compression following lumbar spine surgery have been reported. We report a case of fat graft migration causing symptomatic cervical cord compression. MATERIAL AND METHODS A 45-years-old male with cervical spondylosis underwent anterior C4-5 discectomy and excision of hypertrophied ligament. A dural tear that occurred during the procedure was repaired with fat graft harvested from thigh. Significant improvement in stiffness was noted postoperatively. After 15 days, the patient presented again with worsening lower limbs stiffness. Magnetic resonance imaging of spine was done which revealed displacement of the fat graft causing cervical cord compression. RESULTS Re-exploration was done and the migrated fat graft was removed. Post operatively patient noticed significant improvement in stiffness in both lower limbs. CONCLUSION Autologous fat graft is one of the best materials used in sealing the dural cerebrospinal fluid leak during spinal surgery. However sometimes it may migrate and cause compression of cord and roots with relative symptoms. This complication should be kept in mind as removal of migrated fat graft will relieve these symptoms.

Hemorrhagic colloid cyst: Case report and review of the literature

Colloid cysts are cystic lesions located at the anterior part of third ventricle, close to foramen of Monro and contain colloid material. Hemorrhage in a colloid cyst is very rare. On literature review, we found only six cases of hemorrgic colloid cyst; among them, four were diagnosed at postmortem examination. We report a rare case of a hemorrhagic colloid cyst in a young lady who presented with sudden onset severe headache and vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed isodense lesion located at foramen of Monro with hyperdense areas suggestive of hemorrhage with foraminal obstruction. The lesion was not enhancing on contrast. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain revealed a well-defined cystic mass lesion located at the foramen of Monro which was hyperintense on T1 and hypointense on T2-weighted images. Excision of the colloid cyst was performed which revealed hemorrhagic clot instead of colloid material. Histopathological examination revealed a colloid cyst with hemorrhage. We believe that this is the first such reported case of successful clinical outcome following early diagnosis and excision of a hemorrhagic colloid cyst in an adult.

Giant Craniospinal Intramedullary Neurenteric Cyst in Infant—Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions derived from an anomalous connection between the primitive ectoderm and endoderm. CASE DESCRIPTION A 2-month-old infant presented with an insidious onset of upper limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed a contrast-enhancing solid mass located anterior to the spinal cord at the level of the cervicothoracic junction, which was isointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. The lesion was associated with marked spinal cord compression and also with a giant intramedullary cyst that extended proximally into the cranium. Spinal dysraphism was noted. The patient underwent cervicothoracic laminotomy, drainage of the cyst contents, and a complete excision of the solid component. Neurologic function recovery was observed postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS We report and discuss the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and neuroradiologic findings in an infantile case of a giant craniospinal intramedullary neurenteric cyst. Early recognition is beneficial because of its benign nature and good clinical outcome following total surgical resection.

Orbital tuberculosis with intracranial extension

We report a case of orbital tuberculosis (OTB) with intracranial extension without active tuberculosis in the rest of the body organs or a history of tuberculosis infection. A 29-year-male patient presented with left-sided painful periorbital swelling with pus discharging sinus and visual impairment. Orbital computed tomography revealed contrast enhancing cystic mass lesion in the left orbit with erosion of the lateral and superior orbital wall with intracranial extension. After the failure of 3 weeks’ course of oral antibiotics, the patient underwent left lateral orbitotomy, pus was drained out, and granulation tissues were excised. Histopathological examination confirmed OTB. The patient had received antituberculous treatment. Periorbital swelling completely disappeared and vision improved over a period of 2 weeks. OTB should be considered in differential diagnosis of periorbital swelling especially when it does not respond to oral antibiotics.

Cervical intramedullary cystic teratoma with dermal sinus tract: A case report and review of literature

Intramedullary spinal teratomas are rare. We report a case in a 40-year-male who presented with progressive weakness over the right side of the body and gait imbalance. He had dermal sinus with hair patch over nape of the neck. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical (C4–C7) intramedullary tumor with dermal sinus tract. C3–C7 laminectomy was performed and tumor excised along with the sinus tract. Histopathological examination revealed mature cystic teratoma. Gait ataxia was improved immediately while near complete recovery in motor power was achieved over a period of 2–3 weeks.