Sleep and cognition in South African patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas.

Strong lines of evidence in the neuroscience literature indicate that (a) healthy sleep facilitates cognitive processing, and (b) sleep disruption is associated with cognitive dysfunction. Despite the fact that patients with pituitary disease often display both disrupted sleep and cognitive dysfunction, few previous studies investigate whether these clinical characteristics in these patients might be related. Hence, we explored whether sleep disruption in patients with pituitary disease mediates their cognitive dysfunction. We recruited 18 patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and 19 sociodemographically matched healthy controls. They completed the Global Sleep Assessment Questionnaire (thus providing self-report data regarding sleep disruption) and were administered the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone, which assesses cognitive functioning in the domains of processing speed, working memory, episodic memory, inhibition, and reasoning. We found no significant differences in cognition between patients and controls. Furthermore, spectra of sleep disturbance did not differ significantly between patients and controls. Our data suggest that NFPA patients' cognition and sleep quality is relatively intact, and that sleep disruption does not mediate cognitive dysfunction. Larger studies should characterize sleep and cognition in patients with NFPA (and other pituitary diseases) to confirm whether disruption of the former mediates impairment in the latter.

Orbito-Cranial Gunshot Injuries with Retained Sinonasal Bullets.

INTRODUCTION: Gunshot injuries to the sino-orbital region are rare. In South Africa, where gunshot injuries are common, sino-orbital gunshot injuries are encountered. Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are associated with trauma to surrounding facial and intracranial structures. Therefore, the management of these injuries may be complex and often requires an interdisciplinary approach. AIMS: To review the management of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three cases of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets were reviewed. Two cases were complicated by cerebrospinal fluid leaks with ensuing meningitis. The retained bullets in all three cases were successfully removed via a transnasal endoscopic approach. CONCLUSION: Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are rare, but may be encountered in areas with high frequencies of gun violence. An associated anterior skull base fracture with CSF rhinorrhoea poses a risk for meningitis and a low threshold for diagnosis and treatment of meningitis should be maintained. Retained bullets in the paranasal sinuses do not pose an immediate risk and may be removed on an elective basis.

Contralateral Precaruncular Approach to the Lateral Sphenoid Sinus-A Case Report Detailing a New, Multiportal Approach to Lesions, and Defects in the Lateral Aspect of Well-Pneumatized Sphenoid Sinuses.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional surgical approaches to the lateral aspect of a well-pneumatized sphenoid sinus are associated with significant surgical morbidity. Transorbital endoscopic approaches have recently gained favor as an alternative approach to the skull base. We describe the use of a contralateral precaruncular endoscopic approach to provide a surgical pathway to the lateral aspect of the sphenoid sinus, allowing for improved and direct visualization of the surgical field, with limited morbidity. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old female patient, with a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak from a Sternberg canal defect in the sphenoid sinus, underwent repair of the defect at Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town, South Africa). A contralateral precaruncular approach, using the left medial orbital portal, was utilized to access the defect in the lateral aspect of a well-pneumatized right sphenoid sinus. Computer modeling software was used to predetermine the surgical pathway, and the case was performed under navigation guidance. Adequate surgical access was obtained to the lateral sphenoid sinus and sinus defect, with superior visualization compared to a pure transnasal or transpterygoid approach to the lateral sphenoid sinus. CONCLUSIONS: This case validates the use of computer simulation to plan and decide on the best operative approaches in skull base surgery and describes the contralateral precaruncular approach as a surgical pathway to the lateral sphenoid sinus. Advantages of the contralateral precaruncular approach include a direct trajectory toward the sinus defect, easy access with a standard 18-cm, 4-mm, 0-degree rigid endoscope, and straight instruments, with sparing of the pterygoid base and contents of the pterygopalatine fossa.

Intracranial pressure monitoring as an early predictor of third ventriculostomy outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a routinely used alternative to ventriculoperitoneal shunt in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. We attempted to determine the usefulness of the surgeon's intraoperative impression and postoperative period intracranial pressure monitoring that may help guide clinicians in predicting the early functional outcome of ETV. METHODS: Patients who underwent ETV between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The sample included 63 patients (23 female and 40 male), between the ages of 13 and 69 years. In each case, the surgeon's intraoperative impression, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samplings, and postoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring (via transduced external ventricular drain for up to 72 hours) was recorded and evaluated in light of functional outcome of ETV at discharge and early follow up (1-2 months). RESULTS: ICP monitoring predicted initial function of the ETV in 51 cases (80.9%) and in 12 cases (19%) suggested ETV failure. Monitoring has a positive predictive value (PPV) of 76.3% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% whereas the surgeon's intraoperative impression of future function had a PPV of 76.5% and NPV of 76.9%. CSF sampling has a much poorer predictive quality because the wide confidence interval and a PPV of 63.6% and NPV 38.2%. In our series the evidence of sepsis as a result of external ventricular drain was found to be 11.67%. Subgroup analysis, removing the patients with posterior fossa tumors, results in increased PPV (85.7%) of ICP monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: ETV is a valuable means of treating obstructive hydrocephalus. By considering the surgeon's intraoperative impression and postoperative ICP monitoring course, some of the uncertainty around its functional outcome can be overcome. The surgeon's impression and the ICP monitoring offer approximately the same predictive quality for ETV outcome.

Prognostic value of computed tomography-evident cerebral infarcts in adult patients with tuberculous meningitis and hydrocephalus treated with an external ventricular drain.

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) frequently is complicated by hydrocephalus and cerebral infarction. Previous studies have shown radiologic evidence of cerebral infarction in TBM to be an indicator of poor outcome in both adults and children. Our objective was to assess short-term mortality in adult patients with TBM and hydrocephalus treated with an external ventricular drain and to assess the prognostic value of cerebral infarction on admission computed tomography imaging within this cohort. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series based on an adult intensive care unit admissions database, analyzing demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and radiologic data against short-term mortality. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients managed from 2005 to 2011 were identified. Three patients were excluded. Mean age was 31 years. British Medical Research Council clinical severity grading was grade I in 9.1%, grade II in 31.8%, and grade III in 59.1%. Short-term mortality was 68.2% overall. Cerebral infarction on admission scanning was seen in 10 patients (45.5%). Prevalence of infarcts was not significantly higher in HIV-positive patients (50.0% vs. 42.9%). Mortality in the group with infarcts was 100%, compared with 41.7% in the group without infarcts. Mortality in patients with an admission Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 or less was 91.7%. Mortality in the HIV-positive group was slightly greater, but this increase did not reach statistical significance (71.4% vs. 57.1% P = 0.6). Univariate analysis showed presence of infarcts at admission, Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8 at admission and age of 30 years or more to be significantly related to mortality. There was also a statistically significantly increased mortality according to British Medical Research Council grade. CONCLUSION: TBM with hydrocephalus requiring cerebrospinal diversion carries a significant short-term mortality. Within this cohort, the group of patients who have computed tomography-evident cerebral infarcts at admission has an even worse outcome, with a significantly greater short-term mortality prevalence.

Advances in endoscopic sinonasal and anterior skull base surgery.

Endoscopic transnasal surgery is rapidly replacing more radical external 'open' procedures. At Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, we performed 94 advanced endoscopic sinonasal and anterior skull base procedures over a 2-year period. Most of these would previously have been performed using large external incisions requiring more invasive surgery with significantly higher morbidity. Endoscopic surgery is more cost-effective than open procedures because it reduces duration of hospitalisation, operating time and theatre consumables and obviates the need for postoperative intensive care unit admission. We have had no complications other than 2 cerebrospinal fluid leaks, but the potential risks of endoscopic sinonasal and skull base surgery are significant and proper training is required.

Cerebral ischaemia in pituitary apoplexy.

Pituitary apoplexy is a potentially fatal condition that can have serious consequences even after successful treatment. One of the potential complications of this syndrome is occlusion of the internal carotid arteries, which causes cerebral ischaemia. This can occur through one of two mechanisms--direct compression of the artery or vasospasm caused by factors released from haemorrhagic or necrotic material. We illustrate two examples of cerebral ischaemia with pituitary apoplexy, one with compression and one with vasospasm, both ending in a successful resolution. In both, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and hormonal studies allow diagnosis, and urgent surgical decompression should be the treatment of choice. We review the literature and discuss the mechanisms.

Pituitary apoplexy: correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological results.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to correlate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in pituitary apoplexy with histopathological results and determine whether the histopathology influences clinical presentation and outcome. METHODS: The records of 36 patients with histologically confirmed pituitary apoplexy, who were treated surgically at the University of Virginia Health System between 1996 and 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. The MR images were divided into 3 groups: 1) infarction alone; 2) hemorrhage with or without infarction; and 3) tumor only with no evidence of apoplexy. The histological examination was divided into infarction alone or hemorrhagic infarction/hemorrhage. The MR imaging findings were then correlated with the histopathological results to assess how accurately the histopathology was predicted by the MR imaging. The clinical features and outcomes of the two histopathological groups were also compared. RESULTS: The MR imaging findings were able to predict the histopathology accurately in the majority of cases. The group of patients with infarction had less severe clinical features and a better outcome than those with hemorrhagic infarction/hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the setting of pituitary apoplexy accurately predict the nature of the apoplectic process and help to guide the type and timing of therapy.

Stab injuries to the spinal cord: a retrospective study on clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging changes.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to document changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans after a stab to the spinal cord. The aim of the study was to determine if routine MRI scans for this type of injury would lead to a change in management. METHOD: All patients with a stab wound to the spinal cord sustained between November 2004 and July 2005 were retrospectively enrolled. All of the patients were examined, a data form was completed, and MRI was performed within 72 hours on arrival at Groote Schuur Hospital. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were imaged during the study period. MRI results were reported by a neuroradiologist. The most common change seen on MRI scans was a spinal cord tract and cord signal change. Other imaging findings that were documented included cord swelling and extra-axial collections. Progressive neurological deficits developed in two patients, both as a result of sepsis. An intramedullary abscess was found on contrast follow-up imaging in only one of the two patients, and this was surgically drained. Five patients had extradural collections visible on MRI scans; however, all of these patients either had complete cord transection on MRI scans at the time of injury or in cases of incomplete injury (Brown Sequard syndrome), a tract was visibly affecting the hemicord that explained the injury and there was no mass effect from the extradural collection. CONCLUSION: Routine MRI scans performed on admission of patients with stab injuries to the spinal cord did not lead to surgical intervention unless there was progressive neurological deficit. In such cases, a contrast MRI scan should be performed to rule out sepsis as the most likely cause of deterioration.

Clinical relevance of precipitating factors in pituitary apoplexy.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of pituitary apoplexy and the role of precipitating factors in pituitary apoplexy are poorly understood. Most of the published cases are in the form of case reports. We assessed the presumed precipitating factors in a series of patients treated surgically for pituitary apoplexy and reviewed the contemporary published literature. METHOD: Thirty-eight consecutive patients with pituitary apoplexy were treated surgically by the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, between January 1996 and March 2006. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Contemporary published cases from 1990 to 2006 were also reviewed. RESULTS: Nine patients (24%) were identified as having precipitating factors for pituitary apoplexy. The factors identified were coronary artery surgery (two patients), other major surgery (two patients), pregnancy (two patients), gamma knife irradiation, anticoagulant therapy, and coagulopathy secondary to liver failure. The presentation, histology, and outcome were compared between those patients with a precipitating factor and those in whom none was identified. A review of the published literature showed that coronary artery surgery, pituitary stimulation, and coagulopathy were the most common precipitating factors. CONCLUSION: A minority of patients with pituitary apoplexy will have precipitating factors. The majority of patients with precipitating factors will have histopathology showing hemorrhagic infarction or hemorrhage. The most common precipitating factors are pituitary stimulation, surgery, particularly coronary artery surgery, and coagulopathy. Caution in doing endocrine investigation, surgery, or anticoagulation in patients with a known pituitary tumor is advised. Patients with no diagnosed pituitary tumor but with a known precipitating factor who have neuro-ophthalmological deterioration or endocrine failure should undergo prompt magnetic resonance image scans and endocrine investigation and endocrine replacement as indicated.

Giant prolactinomas in adolescence: an uncommon cause of blindness.

INTRODUCTION: Prolactinomas in childhood and adolescence are rare. However, in male patients in particular they may become extremely large and invasive, resulting in visual impairment without necessarily producing endocrine symptoms. CASE REPORTS: We report on two adolescent males who presented with deteriorating vision over a long period of time and who had optic atrophy on examination. Magnetic resonance imaging identified tumours with extensive anterior skull base invasion and suprasellar extension. Prolactin levels in both patients were markedly elevated, and a diagnosis of prolactinoma was made. Bromocriptine treatment was started resulting in lowered prolactin levels, improved vision and tumour shrinkage on imaging. CONCLUSION: A male child or adolescent presenting with diminished vision and found to have suprasellar or anterior skull base tumour should have their prolactin levels checked to rule out a prolactinoma, which can be successfully managed with medical therapy.

Pituitary apoplexy: do histological features influence the clinical presentation and outcome?

OBJECT: A retrospective analysis of a contemporary series of patients with pituitary apoplexy was performed to ascertain whether the histopathological features influence the clinical presentation or the outcome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 59 patients treated for pituitary apoplexy at the University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, or Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa. The patients were divided into two groups according to the histological features of their disease: one group with infarction alone, comprising 22 patients; and the other with hemorrhagic infarction and/or frank hemorrhage, comprising 37 patients. The presenting symptoms, clinical features, endocrinological status, and outcome were compared between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who presented with histological features of pituitary tumor infarction alone had less severe clinical features on presentation, a longer course prior to presentation, and a better outcome than those presenting with hemorrhagic infarction or frank hemorrhage. The endocrine replacement requirements were similar in both groups.

Pituitary apoplexy.

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary apoplexy is a rare yet potentially fatal disease. We reviewed the combined experience of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, and Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa, with 62 cases of pituitary apoplexy. METHODS: An Internet web site with a database was constructed, and the records of 62 patients were entered into the database from both institutions and then systematically analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 51.1 years; 60% were male, and the average length of follow-up was 55 months. The average time of presentation was 14.2 days after the ictus, and 81% had no previous history of pituitary tumor. Headache was the most common presenting symptom (87%). Diminished visual acuity was found in 56% of patients, bitemporal hemianopia in 34%, ocular palsies in 45%, and diminished level of consciousness in 13%. Seventy-three percent of the patients had laboratory evidence of hypopituitarism, and 8% had diabetes insipidus. Fifty-eight patients underwent surgery, 3 were treated conservatively, and 1 died before intervention. Histological examination revealed hemorrhagic infarction in 47%, simple infarction in 40%, and frank hemorrhage in 8%. Seventy-nine percent had a good outcome, although 83% required subsequent hormonal replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: Pituitary apoplexy is often misdiagnosed because the majority of patients have undetected pituitary adenomas, and the presentation is often mistaken for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Most cases of pituitary apoplexy occur spontaneously, although precipitating factors have been suggested. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice. Treatment includes high-dose corticosteroid administration and surgery. Transsphenoidal surgery is indicated in patients with diminished levels of consciousness, hypothalamic dysfunction, and visual deterioration. Conservative management for patients with isolated cranial nerve palsies has been advocated but remains controversial.

Craniocerebral gunshot injuries in children.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the worldwide increase in the incidence of gunshot injuries, there are few large published series on craniocerebral gunshot injuries in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 30 consecutive children who were treated for craniocerebral gunshot injuries at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital from 1989 to 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. The circumstances of the injury, clinical status, CT findings, complications, and outcome were assessed. RESULTS: The median age was 7 years. Seventy-seven percent of the victims were boys. The majority of the children were injured in the crossfire of civilian violence. The initial management consisted of debridement under local anesthesia in 16 children and neurosurgical procedures under general anesthesia were performed in 14. Sixteen children sustained transhemispheric injuries, 5 bihemispheric injuries, 5 tangential injuries, and 4 transventricular injuries. All 3 children with a GCS <4 died within 72 h of admission. Three of the 7 children with GCS 4-7 died but there were no deaths in those children whose GCS was >7 post-resuscitation. Motor deficits, cranial nerve palsies, and visual field defects were very common. Early post-traumatic seizures were the commonest complication (18%). CONCLUSION: Children with higher post-resuscitation GCSs fared better than adults in terms of mortality but not necessarily morbidity. As in the case with adults, the GCS after resuscitation is a very good prognostic indicator of mortality.