Turgay Bilge

Lipid peroxidation in experimental spinal cord injury: time-level relationship

Damage which occurs following spinal traumas is often irreversible. During recent years free oxygen radicals formed due to the pathological changes following neural tissue ischemia have been identified as being responsible for the ethio-pathogenesis of such damage.In our experimental study, model lesions are formed in spinal cords of rats by standard trauma. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, was measured in the spinal tissues distal to the trauma in order to examine indirectly the time-quantity relationship of free oxygen radicals in the area.For this study 60 rats in six groups, including one control group, were used to determine the formation of MDA. Under a surgical microscope, the spines of all rats were exposed by C5-Th6 laminectomy, and pressure was applied to the spinal cords of animals, except the members of the control group, at the level of C7 by a Yaşargil aneurysm clip. MDA was measured in spinal cord tissues in order to determine free oxygen radicals at the first and fifteenth minutes and at the first, second, and fourth hours.The statistical evaluation of the findings revealed a significant increase in MDA, starting from the 15th minute after the compression, reaching a maximum at 1 hour, and then decreasing. This observation may provide an important guide for studies on prevention of neural destruction.

A minimally invasive transmuscular approach to far-lateral L5-S1 level disc herniations: a prospective study.

Background Among all lumbar disc herniations, L5-S1 far-lateral disc herniations are rare entities. Besides, surgical approach may be difficult because of the very narrow passage at this level. For these 2 reasons, most spine surgeons are not experienced in herniations at this level. According to new microanatomic studies, previous lateral approaches at this level often do not allow access to the neuroforamen without partial or total destruction of the L5-S1 facet joint. To preserve the facet joint, an approach was developed. Purpose To assess the efficacy of a surgical technique that is a minimally invasive intermuscular approach (MIIMA) for decompression of L5-S1 far-lateral level disc herniation (FLLDH). Study Design We present a prospective clinical study analysis of 14 patients with L5-S1 far-lateral disc herniations in a period between 2000 and 2004, treated with microsurgical technique. Methods An imaging study revealed consistency with the patients clinical presentation. In our department, a total of 580 patients underwent discectomy between 2000 and 2004 for lumbar disc herniation. Result Twenty-eight patients had foraminal or extraforaminal herniations (4.8%). Fourteen patients had FLLDH at the L4-L5 level (2.4%), whereas the other 14 were cases of FLLDH at the L5-S1 level (2.4%). One patient had FLLDH at both L5-S1 and L4-L5 levels (7.1%). The mean age of patients was 53.6 years, and the male:female ratio was approximately 5:9. All patients failed to recover after at least 6 weeks of conservative therapy. The mean duration of symptoms until the time of surgery was 7.2 months. Using this MIIMA technique, the authors removed the herniated discs compressing the (L5) nerve roots. Clinical outcome was measured using the visual analog scale. Every patient was discharged within 24 hours. Satisfactory (excellent or good) results were demonstrated in 13 patients (92.9%), because, except for 1 (7.1) permanent dysesthesia case, 4 cases (21.3%) were temporary dysesthesia. Postoperatively all patients reported excellent relief of their sciatic pains, and there were no technique-associated complications. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period ranging from 10 to 60 months (mean, 29 mo). This is one of the major complications of any approach to a far-lateral disc. Conclusions The authors describe a MIIMA for excising herniated discs that is applicable to all types of far-lateral lumbar herniations. Postoperative dysesthesia is the most important complication and may persist as it did in our cases. Consequently, manipulation of the ganglion should be avoided at all costs, if possible. The MIIMA procedure provides a simple alternative for treating lumbar foraminal or lateral exit zone herniated discs in selected cases. This approach is effective, allowing the preservation of the L5-S1 facet joint, saving the facet joint, preventing postoperative instability, and offering a direct view of the L5-S1 neuroforamen.

Primary multiple hydatid cysts of the brain: Case report

Primary multiple hydatid cyst in the brain is uncommon. We report two large primary multiple hydatid cysts of the brain in an adult, which were removed without rupture by two separate operations.

Diagnosis and management of large occipitocervical cephaloceles: a 10-year experience.

Background/Aims: Cephaloceles are common malformations of the central nervous system. However, the great majority of clinical experiences in large occipitocervical cephaloceles have not been reported previously. The purpose of this report is to investigate the pathogenetic factors involved in the development of cranial dysraphism and to analyze the clinical and pathological factors that influence the outcome in patients. Methods: Three hundred and twenty infants with craniospinal dysraphism and 12 with large occipitocervical cephaloceles were admitted to our institution in a 10-year interval between 1995 and 2005. Infants with cephaloceles, including newborns and 5 within the first year of life, were all operated by two authors in our institution, and they were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The sex predilection was limited to occipitocervical cephaloceles, where 8 of the 12 cases were females. Hydrocephalus was present in 25% of the patients at the time of diagnosis. Clinical presentation was most often consistent with hydrocephalus, focal neurological findings being a less prominent feature. Associated congenital anomalies were present in 50% of the children. Contemporary neuroimaging techniques including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging facilitated the diagnosis. Patients were initially managed by posterior fossa or cervical region exploration, followed by sac excision. Three cases died in the early postoperative period, and the surgical mortality in this series was 25%. They were the ones with the largest encephaloceles and microcephaly. The mean follow-up time was 3.4 years. The overall mortality rate for the whole series was 33.3% (4/12). The size of the cephaloceles and the presence or absence of neural tissue in the sac largely determines the outcome for patients with occipitocervical cephaloceles. Conclusion: Infants with lesions greater than 50 mm in diameter, containing a significant amount of neural tissue, have an extremely poor prognosis, especially if associated with microcephaly.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the occipital bone

Two cases of aneurysmal bone cysts are reported. Each patient presented with a palpable mass in the occipital region and signs of compression of structures in the posterior fossa. One of the cases is unique, in that the aneurysmal bone cyst was associated with an epidural hematoma in the posterior fossa. The pertinent literature is reviewed.

A ligamentum flavum hematoma presenting as an L5 radiculopathy

This study reports two patients with ligamentum flavum hematoma, of which only seven cases have been reported in the literature. Two elderly male patients (74 and 80 years) presented with a history of chronic lumbar strain and effort. They had low back pain radiating to both legs. Their neurologic examination findings were consistent with left L5 root compression. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an epidural mass lesion at L4-L5 that was continuous with the ligamentum flavum. After removal of the hematoma, the symptoms completely resolved. The most common cystic lesion in the lumbar spine is synovial cyst associated with the facet joints, but ligamentum flavum hematoma should be included in the differential diagnosis. The clinical, radiological and surgical features are described. Surgery should be the treatment of choice to resolve symptoms in ligamentum flavum hematoma.

Spinal metastasis of occult lung carcinoma causing cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) may be caused by tumor, herniated disc, trauma and spinal infections. However, CES due to occult lung cancer has not been reported in the literature. A 50-year-old man presented with a subacute CES caused by an intradural metastasis of an adenocarcinoma of the lung to the lumbosacral cauda fibers. His lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), showed a well-demarcated, intradural extramedullary mass lesion resembling a neurinoma at the L4/5 level. The patient underwent an L4-L5 laminectomy. The operative findings were also suggestive of neurinoma with involvement of three nerve roots, and a well-demarcated tumor without infiltration into the subarachnoid space. Although the findings of the operation were suggestive of neurinoma, final pathological diagnosis revealed metastatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed clear cell adenocarcinoma metastasis. Chest X-ray and high resolution contrasted pulmonary computed tomography were normal. Positron emission tomography (PET) showed a lung mass, at the left apex. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and post-operative spinal radiotherapy was also performed. The CES resolved after the operation and the patient was followed up for 2 years with no recurrence. MRI of intradural cauda equina metastasis may be similar to that of intradural nerve sheath tumor. Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy may be effective for the treatment of CES due to lung carcinoma. Definitive diagnosis is by histopathological examination with immunohistochemistry. If the primary cancer cannot be detected by conventional radiological techniques, PET may be helpful.

Management of cervicomedullary compression in patients with congenital and acquired osseous–ligamentous pathologies

We present our experience in the diagnosis, surgical management and long-term follow-up of congenital and acquired osseous-ligamentous abnormalities or pathologies of the craniovertebral junction. The purpose of this study was: (i) to determine the incidence and degree of cervicomedullary compression in pediatric and young adult patients with congenital and acquired abnormalities, and (ii) to correlate cervicomedullary compression with other imaging and clinical factors to determine to what extend cervicomedullary compression is successfully treated with a posterior decompressive procedure, transoral decompression, and medical management. Between January 1995 and December 2004, 26 cases were managed in our department. These patients had: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (3); traumatic injury (2); congenital basilar impression (5, in 2 cases a posteriorly oriented or retroflexed odontoid); infection (10); craniovertebral junction Potts disease (9); os odonteideum (3); condylus tertius (1); and tumor (2). Six of the patients (23.1%) had syringomyelia. Only three (11.3%) were in the pediatric age group. Symptoms and signs included headache (72%), ataxia (38%), lower cranial nerve dysfunction (54%), quadriparesis (44%), hyperreflexia (76%), Hoffman positivity (72%), achilles clonus (72%) nystagmus (33%) and dysphagia (22%). The mean follow-up time was 44 months (range 3-85). Twelve (46.2%) had undergone posterior fossa decompression; seven (26.6%) had ventral decompression. Seven of the patients (26.6%) had medical management. The major morbidity included pharyngeal wound sepsis leading to dehiscence (3.8%), valopharyngeal insufficiency (3.8%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (3.8%), postoperative macroglossia (3.8%) and inadequate anterior decompression (3.8%). Transient neurological deterioration occurred in two patients (7.6%). Our management paradigm will result in some neurologic improvements and limit the progression of symptoms. Patients with these pathologies are likely to show a good neurologic outcome when treatment, whether with or without surgery, is administered early in the course of the disease.

Cauda equina compression syndrome in a child due to lumbar disc herniation

IntroductionCauda equina syndrome with sphincter dysfunction is an uncommon and feared complication of lumbar disc herniation.Case reportLumbar disc disease in the pediatric age has been reported infrequently, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first pediatric case of acute lumber disc herniation presenting with caudal compression.

Carebral alveolar hydatidosis: Case report

A young male patient, who previously was presumed inoperable due to an existing hepatic mass with multiple cerebral metastases, was referred to us from an oncology clinic ith signs of transtentorial herniation. An operation was performed promptly; the right parietal mass, which was totally removed, proved to be an alveolar hydatid cyst. He refused the operation proposed for the hepatic lesion and was discharged.