Vivek Tandon

Management of post-tubercular hydrocephalus

PurposeTubercular meningitis can lead to hydrocephalus which is a challenging condition to treat in this setting. There is no consensus on treatment protocols for this condition. We have reviewed the literature and formulated treatment guidelines based on available literature and our own experience.ObservationsThe main available options for management of tubercular hydrocephalus are conservative medical therapy, ventriculoperitoneal shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). There is no universal consensus regarding the treatment protocol. However, decision regarding the best treatment should be based on the clinical condition of the patient, presence or absence of meningitis, duration of the disease, communicating or non- communicating hydrocephalus, socioeconomic condition of the patient, surgeons expertise, availability of resources for endoscopy. We have given a treatment algorithm for treatment of these patients which can help in protocol-based management of such cases.ConclusionTubercular basal meningitis is a medical problem with limited role of neurosurgery except when patient develops hydrocephalus. Management of hydrocephalus in this condition is challenging and fraught with a myriad of complications. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is an ideal option of vast majority of patients. However, in case of availability of endoscopic facility and expertise, ETV can be an option in selected group of patients. Our algorithm for management can help a clinician to objectively assess the patient and decide on a protocol-based management.

Decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury: A single-center, multivariate analysis of 1,236 patients at a tertiary care hospital in India

OBJECT To evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing a decompressive craniectomy (DC) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the factors predicting outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1,236 patients with TBI operated with a DC from January 2008 to December 2013 at a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. The data from the hospital computerized database was retrospectively analyzed and 324 (45%) patients were followed-up for a mean duration of 25.3 months (range 3-42 months) among the cohort of 720 alive patients. The institutes ethical committee clearance was obtained before the start of the study. RESULTS There were 81% males with a median age [interquartile range (IQR)] of 32 (23-45) years. The mortality rate and median (IQR) Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at discharge in patients presenting with minor, moderate, and severe head injury were 18%, 5 (4-5); 28%, 4 (1-5); and 47.4%, 2 (1-4), respectively. An overall favorable outcome (GOS 4 and 5) at discharge was observed in 46.5% patients and in 39% patients who presented with severe TBI. Only 7.5% patients were in a persistent vegetative state (PVS), while 78% had an overall favorable outcome at the last follow-up of surviving patients (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the factors predictive of a favorable GOS at discharge were: a younger age (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.04; P < 0.001), no pupillary abnormalities at admission (OR 2.28, CI = 1.72-3.02; P < 0.001), absence of preoperative hypotension (OR 1.91, CI = 1.08-3.38; P = 0.02), an isolated TBI (OR 1.42, CI = 1.08-1.86; P = 0.01), absence of a preoperative infarct (OR 3.68, CI = 1.74-7.81; P = 0.001), presence of a minor head injury (OR 6.33, CI = 4.07-9.86; P < 0.001), performing a duraplasty (OR 1.86, CI = 1.20-2.87; P = 0.005) rather than a slit durotomy (OR 3.95, CI = 1.67-9.35; P = 0.002), and, avoidance of a contralateral DC (OR 3.58, CI = 1.90-6.73; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The severity of head injury, performing a duraplasty rather than a slit durotomy, avoidance of a contralateral DC, and the presence of preoperative hypotension, infarct, and/or pupillary asymmetry have the highest odds of predicting the short term GOS at the time of discharge, after a DC in patients with TBI. Although DC carries a high risk of mortality, the probability of the survivors having a favorable outcome is significantly more as compared to those who remain in a PVS.

Management of adult tethered cord syndrome: Our experience and review of literature

BACKGROUND Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a complex clinicopathologic entity, mostly described in children with limited number of studies describing in adults. This unique and rare subgroup of patients presents with characteristic features of TCS, but unlike children, pain is a predominant clinical symptom. MATERIALS AND METHODS Case records of 24 patients aged ≥16 years who had undergone surgery with a diagnosis of TCS between 2001 and 2011 were reviewed. Patients who have underwent surgery earlier for tethered cord or for diastematomyelia/spinal dysraphism and patients who had radiological evidence of tethering elements like lipoma of the cord on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were excluded from the study. RESULTS Low backache was the most common presenting symptom. At the time of final follow-up, 15 (83.3%) patients had shown improvement in backache. Weakness improved by at least one grade in seven (77.8%) patients. Bladder symptoms improved in six (50%) patients. CONCLUSION In case of symptomatic patient with low-lying cord, detethering is an advisable option.

Initial experience of using high field strength intraoperative MRI for neurosurgical procedures.

We report our initial experience to optimize neurosurgical procedures using high field strength intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (IOMRI) in 300 consecutive patients as high field strength IOMRI rapidly becomes the standard of care for neurosurgical procedures. Three sequential groups (groups A, B, C; n=100 each) were compared with respect to time management, complications and technical difficulties to assess improvement in these parameters with experience. We observed a reduction in the number of technical difficulties (p<0.001), time to induction (p<0.001) and total anesthesia time (p=0.007) in sequential groups. IOMRI was performed for neuronavigation guidance (n=252) and intraoperative validation of extent of resection (EOR; n=67). Performing IOMRI increased the EOR over and beyond the primary surgical attempt in 20.5% (29/141) and 18% (11/61) of patients undergoing glioma and pituitary surgery, respectively. Overall, EOR improved in 59.7% of patients undergoing IOMRI (40/67). Intraoperative tractography and real time navigation using re-uploaded IOMRI images (accounting for brain shift) helps in intraoperative planning to reduce complications. IOMRI is an asset to neurosurgeons, helping to augment the EOR, especially in glioma and pituitary surgery, with no significant increase in morbidity to the patient.

Quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid cyst: A series of 18 patients and a review of literature

Abstract Background. Arachnoid cysts account for 1% of intracranial mass lesions. Quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid cysts are even rarer lesions. We report 18 cases of quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid cysts treated at our institute from 2002 to 2012. Methods. We retrospectively analysed 18 patients with quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid cyst for clinical presentation, demographic profile, management and outcome. The age of the patients ranged from 29 days to 50 years (mean 17 years). The cysts were classified into 3 subtypes based on MRI findings. Surgical intervention was carried out in all the patients. Results. Two patients had Type 1 cysts, 4 had Type 2 cysts and 12 had Type 3 cysts. Two patients (Type 1) underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (alone). Craniotomy and cyst wall excision along with ventriculocystostomy and cystocisternostomy were done in 4 patients with Type 2 cysts, and endoscopic fenestration of cysts to the sub-arachnoid space or the ventricles and endoscopic third ventriculostomy were done in 7 patients with Type 3 cysts. Two patients with Type 3 cysts underwent only endoscopic ventriculocystostomy and cystocisternostomy without endoscopic third ventriculostomy, while three patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The follow- up period ranged from 6 months to 48 months (mean 23.7 ± 12.3 months). Conclusion. Quadrigeminal plate arachnoid cysts are generally symptomatic and require some form of surgical intervention. We believe that endoscopic fenestration of the cyst with cystocisternostomy or cystoventriculostomy, when combined with third ventriculostomy, is the procedure of choice for such patients. We do not recommend the placement of a ventriculoperitnoeal shunt alone. Operative re-exploration should be planned only after obtaining proper clinico-radiological correlation and not on the basis of imaging findings alone, as sometimes the cysts fail to regress but the symptoms improve.

Alterations in BRAF gene, and enhanced mTOR and MAPK signaling in dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs).

OBJECTIVE Recently, BRAF V600E mutation, and activation of mTOR and MAPK pathways have been identified in various glial/glioneuronal tumors. Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are epilepsy-associated glioneuronal neoplasms which have not been analyzed extensively in this respect. METHODS Sequencing for BRAF V600E mutation, analysis of BRAF copy number by qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry for mTOR (p-S6, p-4EBP1) and MAPK (p-MAPK) pathways were performed. RESULTS Sixty-four DNTs were identified, accounting for 15.1% of patients with drug-refractory epilepsy (mean age: 15.5 years). Duration of seizures ranged from 1 to 22 years. BRAF V600E mutation was identified in 3.7% of DNTs, while BRAF copy number gain was observed in 33.3%. mTOR-pathway activation indicated by p-S6 or p-4EBP1 immunopositivity was seen in 89.7% cases. Interestingly, p-S6 positivity was also seen in adjacent dysplastic cortex. p-MAPK immunopositivity was seen in 50% cases. MAPK and mTOR pathway activation was independent of BRAF alterations. All patients that underwent incomplete resection had Engel grade II-III outcomes (p<0.001). CONCLUSION BRAF alterations are frequent in DNTs, particularly BRAF copy number gain which is being reported for the first time in these tumors. Evidence of activation of mTOR and MAPK pathways suggests a role for altered signalling in DNT pathogenesis, and will pave the way for development of targeted therapies, particularly relevant for patients having persistent seizures after incomplete resection.

Remote site intracranial hemorrhage: Our experience and review of literature

Sudden decompression in a patient with chronically raised intracranial pressure (ICP) can very rarely lead to bleeding away from the operative site. In this retrospective review the intention is to highlight the possible causes of remote bleed. Data of six patients with remote site bleed in the postoperative period operated at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Medline and Pubmed databases were searched for similar cases and were reviewed systematically to understand the cause, management, and outcome. In our series the mean age of patients was 35.5 years. Three patients each were operated for supratentorial and infratentorial pathologies. Of the six patients, three patients were operated for tumors. Of the 89 patients with remote site bleed in the postoperative period,64 (72%) patients had supratentorial tentorial and in the remaining it was infratentorial surgery. Most common site of bleed was supratentorial in 72 {81 %) patients. The reported mortality was 28% (21 patients). Remote site intracranial bleed following cranial surgery is a rare but well-documented complication. It can prove fatal and may cause significant morbidity. We advocate keeping high index of suspicion and ear[y computed tomography(CT) scan head in postoperative period.

Terminal myelocystocele: a series of 30 cases and review of the literature.

Objective: Terminal myelocystocele is a rare form of spinal dysraphism. We report on the clinical and radiological features, surgical procedures and outcome of myelocystocele. Methods: Thirty patients, with an age range of 1 month to 15 years, which included 16 (53.3%) male children, had undergone surgery for terminal myelocystocele between 2000 and 2010. We had retrospectively analyzed their data. All patients had a swelling in the lumbosacral region which had a healthy skin cover. Twenty (66.7%) patients had presented with weakness, while 10 (33.7%) patients had no deficits at all. Bladder bowel involvement was evident in 12 (40%) cases. All patients had undergone excision of the meningocele sacs, the tethering bands were lysed, and filum was detethered. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was done in 3 (10%) patients. Complications like pseudomeningocele were seen in 6 (20%) patients, cerebrospinal fluid leak in 4 (13.3%) patients, and meningitis and surgical site infection in 1 (3.3%) patient each. The mean follow-up period was 15.2 (1-60) months. The status of all patients with no preoperative deficits remained unchanged. Out of 20 patients with motor weakness, 12 (60%) had improvement; worsening was observed in 1 patient. Conclusions: Though rare, the possibility of myelocystocele should be kept in mind when treating lumbosacral region masses as they have a better prognosis when compared with other masses in the region due to spinal dysraphism. We recommend early surgery in all diagnosed cases.

An unusual case of 4 level spinal dysraphism: Multiple composite type 1 and type 2 split cord malformation, dorsal myelocystocele and hydrocephalous

The authors here have reported a rare case of a child with a complex spina bifida with two different levels of split cord malformation (SCM) type 1 and single level type 2, a non terminal myelocystocele, coccygeal dermal sinus, bifid fatty filum and hydrocephalus, which substantiates the neuroenteric canal theory and have further tried to highlight the importance of complete Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening of the whole spine and brain with SCM to rule out other associated conditions. The patient was admitted with a leaking myelocystocele with bilateral lower limb weakness. MRI of whole spine with screening of brain was done. Patient underwent 5 operations in the same sitting- (According to classification given by Mahapatra et al.) removal of SCM type 1a at D7-8; removal of SCM type1c at L2-3; removal of SCM type 2 at D10; repair of non terminal myelocystocele at D6-D10; low pressure ventriculoperitoneal shunt on right side with excision of dermal coccygeal sinus; and, excision of bifid fatty filum. The clinicoradiological findings in our patient further substantiate the multiple accessory neuroenteric canal theory in the development of composite type of SCM. The physical and neurological signs of SCM and nonterminal myelocystocele should prompt the neurosurgeon to consider performing the screening MRI of whole spine with brain to rule out other composite types of SCM and hydrocephalus.

Chiari III Malformation with Proatlas Abnormality

Chiari III malformations are extremely rare hindbrain malformations that are associated with a high early mortality rate, or severe neurologic deficits in the survivors. They are characterized by an occipital or cervical encephalocele, along with anomalies commonly seen with the type II malformation. Chiari III in association with proatlas abnormality is very rare. Here we describe a patient with Chiari III malformation associated with occipital condyle hypoplasia.