Multiple-site neural tube defects: embryogenesis with complete review of existing literature.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple-site neural tube defects (MNTDs) are very uncommon, with the predominant number of cases being reported in developing countries. The classic theory of neural tube closure fails to explain the occurrence of these defects. Multisite closure theory, first proposed in 1995, explains most of the occurrences with a few modifications specific to a few defects. In this paper, the authors endeavor to explain all the defects, along with their genetic and embryological bases, and to review the available literature and discuss their own experience in the management of these complex cases. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the data of all the patients treated surgically for MNTDs over that past 14 years. All possible demographic data, clinical details, and radiological imaging data were reviewed. In addition, surgical parameters, complications, and status at follow-up of more than 12 months were evaluated. All previously reported cases of MNTD were analyzed, and comparisons with the present series were made. RESULTS: A total of 3 major series (including the present one) on MNTDs have been from India. A total of 57 such cases (including those of the present series) have been reported in the available literature. While previous series reported a higher incidence of spinal defects, the present series had a higher rate of cephalic defects (55%). Among the reported cases, insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was necessary in 12 (26%), and only 4 patients were operated on in 2 stages. Neurological status at presentation dictated outcome. CONCLUSIONS: MNTDs are extremely rare, and their embryogenesis is different from that of single neural tube defects. Simultaneous repair of 2 or even 3 defects is possible in a single-stage surgery. The requirement of a shunt is uncommon, and complications following surgery are rare. Folic acid supplementation may reduce the incidence of defects.

Intracranial fungal granuloma: a single-institute study of 90 cases over 18 years.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial fungal granuloma (IFG) remains an uncommon entity. The authors report a single-institute study of 90 cases of IFG, which is the largest study until now. METHODS: In this retrospective study, all cases of IFG surgically treated in the years 2001-2018 were included. Data were obtained from the medical records and the pathology, microbiology, and radiology departments. All relevant clinical data, imaging characteristics, surgical procedure performed, perioperative findings, and follow-up data were recorded from the case files. Telephonic follow-up was also performed for a few patients to find out their current status. RESULTS: A total of 90 cases consisting of 64 males (71.1%) and 26 (28.9%) females were evaluated. The mean patient age was 40.2 years (range 1-79 years). Headache (54 patients) was the most common presenting complaint, followed by visual symptoms (35 patients), fever (21 patients), and others such as limb weakness (13 patients) or seizure (9 patients). Cranial nerve involvement was the most common sign (47 patients), followed by motor deficit (22 patients) and papilledema (7 patients). The mean duration of symptoms before presentation was 6.4 months (range 0.06-48 months). Thirty patients (33.3%) had predisposing factors like diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, or other immunocompromised status. A pure intracranial location of the IFG was seen in 49 cases (54.4%), whereas rhinocerebral or paranasal sinus involvement was seen in 41 cases (45.6%). Open surgery, that is, craniotomy and decompression, was performed in 55 cases, endoscopic biopsy was done in 30 cases, and stereotactic biopsy was performed in 5 cases. Aspergilloma (43 patients) was the most common fungal mass, followed by zygomycosis (13 patients), chromomycosis (9 patients), cryptococcoma (7 patients), mucormycosis (5 patients), and candida infection (1 patient). In 12 cases, the exact fungal phenotype could not be identified. Follow-up was available for 69/90 patients (76.7%). The mean duration of the follow-up was 37.97 months (range 3-144 months). The mortality rate was 52.2% (36/69 patients) among the patients with available follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion for IFG should exist for patients with an immunocompromised status and diabetic patients with rhinocerebral mass lesions. Early diagnosis, aggressive surgical decompression, and a course of promptly initiated antifungal therapy are associated with a better prognosis.

Medulloblastoma: Distinctive Histo-Molecular Correlation with Clinical Profile, Radiologic Characteristics, and Surgical Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Medulloblastoma (MB) is a heterogenous tumor, and the prognosis is influenced by various clinical, histological, and molecular factors. The aim of the study is to determine the clinical profile and radiologic characteristics among the histo-molecular subgroups, the predictors of surgical outcome, and the pattern of relapse in pediatric and adult MB. METHOD: An analysis of 118 patients of MB who underwent surgical treatment at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India, over a 7-year period (2005-2011) is presented. The clinical profile, radiologic characteristics, surgical nuances, and survival patterns are discussed. The relevant statistical analysis was done using SPSS software, version 22.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 12 years (12.3 ± 8.7). The primary manifestation was raised intracranial tension headache in 53 patients (44.9%), which was the predominant symptom in large cell/anaplastic (LCA)- and WNT-activated subgroups. The median preoperative Karnofsky performance score was 60 (60.6 ± 12.9). Vermian and hemispheric location of tumor was most commonly observed in non-WNT/non-SHH (groups 3 and 4; 91.7%) and SHH-activated (42.9%) subgroups, respectively. Ninety-two patients (78%) underwent preoperative ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) for obstructive hydrocephalus (HCP) and 14 patients (11.8%) underwent VPS in the postoperative period. The median overall survival (OS) for the whole group was 82.1 ± 5.7 months and the median recurrence-free survival was 51.0 ± 4.8 months. While radiotherapy had a significant influence on OS, progression-free survival was influenced by radiotherapy as well as chemotherapy in both pediatric and adult cohort. Desmoplastic/nodular subtype and WNT-activated subgroup had the best prognosis; LCA and non-WNT/non-SHH had the worst prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the patients were pediatric in the study. Age, hemispheric location of tumor, extent of resection, and adjuvant treatment status were the important clinical prognostic factors for survival. Surgery for MB is formidable, and VPS can be considered in persistent symptomatic and progressive HCP. Our study on pediatric and adult MB validates the prognostic significance of various clinical, radiologic, and histo-molecular parameters of MB.

"Tailored" far lateral approach to anterior foramen magnum meningiomas - The importance of condylar preservation.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior and anterolaterally situated foramen magnum meningiomas are a technically complex subgroup of meningiomas. The need for an extensive exposure and bone work and their complex anatomy make them a difficult and challenging group of tumors to resect. The bone work has ranged from an extensive condylar resection to condylar preserving exposures. In this paper, we present our experience with condylar preserving or minimal condylar resection based approaches to these tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical resection of anterior and anterolaterally situated foramen magnum meningiomas were included in the analysis. The study period was more than 10 years from 2005 to 2015 at our institute; a tertiary referral centre in India. The records along with demographic profile, clinico-radiological features, surgical strategies, outcomes as well as mortality and morbidity were analysed. RESULTS: There were a total of 20 patients (9 males and 11 females) who were operated during the study period. The average age was 36.7 years. In 16 patients, gross-total or near-total resection could be achieved, four patients underwent subtotal resection. Eight patients had fresh morbidity in the form of new motor deficits, pseudomeningocele formation, worsening of the lower cranial nerve functions or post-operative adhesions leading to syrinx formation. The follow-up ranged from 6 months to 140 months. CONCLUSION: Foramen magnum meningiomas are an eminently treatable group of tumors. Condylar preservation provides a good visualization, while helping to preserve joint stability and in avoiding instrumental stabilization.

Chordoid meningioma: a clinico-pathological study of an uncommon variant of meningioma.

Chordoid meningioma is a rare variant of meningioma, with a higher incidence in the young and a supposed association with Castleman's syndrome. They have an aggressive clinical course, and are assigned as WHO grade II meningiomas. To the best of our knowledge, 284 chordoid meningiomas have been reported in the literature. This series reporting 33 cases is the third largest series in published literature from a single Institution. We reviewed Clinico-pathological characteristics of 33 patients diagnosed with chordoid meningioma between 2001 and 2015 in our institution. Forty-one specimens were available for review of histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. There were 15 men and 18 women with mean age of 36.8 years (median 36 years, range 9-62 years) at diagnosis with three cases occurring in pediatric age group. The majority were supratentorial in location with 11 convexity, 1 falcine, 5 parasagittal, 1 intraventricular, skull base involvement in 12 with 4 being petroclival location and 3 had spinal lesions. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates were seen in 23 cases with majority being T cells. MIB index varied from 1 to 14%. Five patients received radiotherapy for residual lesion. Two patients died (recurrence-1, post-operative complication-1). Three patients were lost to follow up after surgery. The mean post-operative follow up period for the remaining was 55.3 months. Seven patients had recurrence of which three had it twice. This study adds to the pool of available data for better understanding of this variant of meningioma. These meningiomas occur in middle age; spinal lesions and pediatric cases are not uncommon. We did not find any association between surgery, post-operative radiotherapy and histopathological features with recurrence and survival. Small number of cases may be responsible for this statistical insignificance.

Surgical management of colloid cysts in children: experience at a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION: Colloid cysts are uncommon lesions in the pediatric age group, which most commonly occur in the fourth through fifth decades. The authors hereby report a series of 36 patients with colloid cysts in the pediatric age group. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients with colloid cyst who underwent surgery in our institute between November 2003 and December 2016 (13 years). Patients above the age of 18 were excluded from the study. They were analyzed based on clinical presentation, radiological findings, surgical approaches, and outcome. RESULTS: There were 36 pediatric patients selected for the study. Age ranged from 8 to 18 years. The male-to-female ratio was 3.5:1. Headache and vomiting were the most common symptoms, and papilledema is the most common clinical sign. The mean duration of symptoms was 9 months (range 1 day to 5 years), but 27 (75%) of the children had precipitous symptoms just before presentation. Preoperative CT showed a hyperdense non-enhancing lesion in the majority of cases. Endoscopic excision was done in 13; 5 patients underwent transcortical transventricular excision, while transcallosal approach was opted for in 17 patients. In one patient, the colloid cyst could not be removed endoscopically and had to be converted to transcortical transventricular approach. Postoperatively, five patients developed CSF leak. They were successfully managed conservatively. One patient had operative site extra dural hematoma and underwent re-exploration, and two patients had transient hemiparesis which improved spontaneously. The median follow-up period was 9 months in the 30 available patients. Though no formal neuropsychological testing was done at follow-up, all children appeared to be doing well without memory disturbances. CONCLUSION: Pediatric colloid cysts are less common and may show rapid deterioration. Timely surgery results in a permanent cure with minimum morbidity. The results of either micro neurosurgical or endoscopic operative excision of colloid cysts in children are excellent. All children who are symptomatic with raised intracranial pressure due to a third ventricular colloid cyst should undergo definitive surgery. There were no major permanent deficits in memory or disconnection syndromes observed with the limited anterior colostomy.

Chromosomal aberrations in chordoid meningioma - An analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chordoid meningiomas (CMs) are a rare subgroup of tumors, accounting for approximately 0.5% of all meningiomas. These tumors correspond to World Health Organization (WHO) Grade II lesions and behave aggressively, with an increased likelihood of recurrence. There are only two studies that have described the genetic alterations in CMs. While a majority of meningiomas are known to have deletion at many chromosomal loci such as 22q, 18p, 14q, and 1p, which are found to be associated with initiation, progression, and malignancy of these tumors, these have not yet been studied in CMs. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the status of these four chromosomal aberrations in CMs and correlate the findings with the clinical outcome of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 cases of CM operated over a period of 12 years from 2001 to 2013 were analyzed. The archival paraffin blocks were retrieved and sections were subjected to locus-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using 22q12.2, 18p11.3, 14q32.2, and 1p32.3 probes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done on all cases using MIB-1, vimentin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) antibodies. RESULTS: All cases had characteristic features of CM, and were positive for EMA and vimentin and negative for GFAP. The mean labeling index for MIB-1 was 2.7 ± 0.8%. Of the 15 cases, 5 cases showed recurrence with a median follow-up period of 28 months. Patients who underwent Simpson's grade I excision did not show any relapse of the tumor. Of the 5 recurrent cases, 4 had complete deletion of all four chromosomal loci. Among the 10 nonrecurrent cases, 9 (90%) showed either partial deletion or an intact status. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate the combined chromosomal status of 22q, 18p, 14q, and 1p in CMs. Our study shows that there was a higher propensity of recurrence in tumors, even with complete excision, with complete deletion in all four chromosomal loci.

Isolated brainstem tuberculomas.

BACKGROUND: Isolated brainstem tuberculomas are rare lesions and account for up to 5% of all intracranial tuberculomas in endemic areas. The difficulties in diagnosis and management of this condition are sparsely reported. The aim of this study is to illustrate the nuances in managing brainstem tuberculomas, define prognosis, and demonstrate a shift in management strategies with newer imaging modalities. METHOD: A retrospective review of 14 patients diagnosed and treated with a diagnosis of 'isolated brainstem tuberculoma' between 2011 and 2015 was done. Diagnosis was made after combining the findings at clinical history, examination, as well as imaging features. Patients were treated with steroids for 6 weeks or until they made a meaningful clinical recovery, and antitubercular therapy (ATT) for a minimum of 18 months or until there was resolution of the tuberculoma. Confirmation of tubercular pathology was done by observing if response to treatment resulted in clinical improvement, which happened in all of our cases. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 24.7 years and nine were males. Twelve patients had a combination of cranial nerve deficits with pyramidal weakness or sensory symptoms. Mean duration of symptoms was 4.7 months and tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were negative in all patients. Only two patients had a previous history of tubercular meningitis. Most lesions were located in the pons with size ranging from 1 to 22.2 cm3. Eight patients showed complete resolution of the lesion at latest follow-up and the rest were still on ATT. Mean duration of ATT received for resolution of the lesion was 22 months. Almost all of our patients improved clinically on steroids and ATT. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial tuberculomas may present with or without meningitis. A high index of suspicion is essential, especially in endemic areas. A combination of clinical symptoms, investigations, and imaging features help in coming to a diagnosis. Biopsy of a brainstem lesion is fraught with complications. Antitubercular therapy has a very good prognosis, though the duration of therapy required may be longer.

Surgically Managed Pediatric Intracranial Aneurysms: How Different Are They from Adult Intracranial Aneurysms?

PURPOSE: Intracranial aneurysms in children are rare compared to those in adults, and their causes, presentations, and outcomes also vary. Thus, they need to be studied intricately and as an independent entity. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed intracranial saccular aneurysms in 44 children of <19 years of age who had been surgically treated during the last 30 years at our institute. We analyzed presentation, characteristics, size, multiplicity, cause, and eventual outcome, and compared these to the adult cases of aneurysms operated on during the same period. RESULTS: The commonest site of aneurysm was the internal carotid artery (ICA), in 47.7%. Follow-up was available for 38 (86.4%) children. The median duration of follow-up was 14 months (range 1-89 months). A favorable outcome was seen in 31 cases (81.6%) and an unfavorable outcome (including 1 death) in 7 (18.4%). CONCLUSION: Intracranial aneurysms in children present with subarachnoid hemorrhage in a good grade. ICA bifurcation aneurysms are the commonest sites of occurrence. Surgery is safe and effective, and children seem to have a better outcome.

Eosinophilic Granuloma of Skull with Fluid Level and Epidural Hematoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Intracranial Langerhans cell histiocytosis commonly presents as skull lesions in children. An intratumoral cyst with fluid level and epidural hematoma occurring with eosinophilic granuloma is very rare. We report a 15-year-old boy who presented with a spontaneous epidural hematoma which was the result of a temporal eosinophilic granuloma. Multiple explanations for epidural hematoma in such cases have been discussed. Intratumoral hemorrhage followed by cyst formation and rupture may explain the pathophysiology of epidural hemorrhage formation.

Incidence of deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing elective neurosurgery - A prospective cohort based study.

INTRODUCTION: The exact incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the Indian neurosurgical patient population is uncertain. This situation is quite different from its well-documented incidence in the Caucasian population.This study aims to analyze the incidence, etiopathogenesis, and risk factors in the development of DVT in Indians. This will enable us to formulate country-specific guidelines for its appropriate and timely prophylaxis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the incidence of deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing elective neurosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort based study analyzing a total of 273 adult (>18 years) patients who underwent elective neurosurgery during a period of 1 year from November 2013 to December 2014.A preoperative baseline Doppler ultrasonography and coagulation profile was performed, followed by postoperative surveillance Doppler ultrasonography biweekly until discharge. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (12.08%) developed DVT in the postoperative period. Hypertension, frequent alcohol intake, smoking, and obesity were found to be the risk factors (P = 0.001). Significant association was observed between malignant tumors, meningiomas, and DVT (P = 0.001). Intraoperative supine and lateral position for more than 5 h, the severity of postoperative motor deficit, and ambulation delay of more than 2 days were significant risk factors (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study, one of the first of its kind, details the incidence and etiopathogenesis of DVT in the Indian neurosurgical population. We recommend an early usage of prophylaxis (mechanical and/or pharmacological) in the perioperative period for the high risk category of patients. We hope that this data can be used for preparing country-specific guidelines for DVT prophylaxis.

Pediatric thoracolumbar spinal injuries: The etiology and clinical spectrum of an uncommon entity in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric thoracolumbar (TL) spinal injuries are uncommon entities with an incidence of 5-34% of all pediatric spinal injuries. There is a scarcity of studies done on the pediatric population in the developing countries like India. This study aims to review our experience with TL spine injuries in children over a 12-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the epidemiology, risk factors, mechanisms, patterns of injury and management of pediatric TL injuries in our population. RESULTS: There were 90 children with TL spine injuries comprising 2% of all the spine injuries treated in our institute. The mean age was 15.9 ± 3.2 years (range: 2-18 years) with a male predominance (3:1). The most common mode of injury was fall from height. 64/90 (71.1%) children sustained injury due to fall from height, 18/90 (20%) children sustained injury following motor vehicle accident and rest of the children sustained injury due to the fall of a heavy object over the neck. Most of the patients (27.8%) sustained Grade A injury. Lumbar spine was the most common spinal level injured (53.3%), and fractures were the most common type of injury (93.3%). Surgical fixation was performed in 18/90 (20%) children. Follow-up was available for 21 children of which 13 (62%) were ambulant at follow-up. CONCLUSION: TL injuries are rare and are most common in children older than 10 years and mainly involve the lumbar region. When indicated, surgical fusion of the involved vertebrae is safe and effective.

Surgical treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis of cervical spine: case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare condition, and even rare is cervical spine involvement. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old girl had neck pain, neck tilt and left upper limb weakness, occasional fever and positive family history of tuberculosis. Imaging showed C5 vertebral body collapse with epidural and prevertebral soft tissue collection causing cord and nerve root compression. The patient underwent C5 corpectomy and fusion. Histopathological was suggestive of LCH. She underwent radiotherapy and was asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Despite the rarity of the condition, the possibility of LCH should be considered in such cases. When neurologic deficits are present, operative treatment should be considered.

Ruptured blebs and racing hearts: autonomic cardiac changes in neurosurgeons during microsurgical clipping of aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we intend to evaluate the autonomic changes occurring in neurosurgeons and thus the stress during microsurgical clipping of aneurysms. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the heart rate variability (HRV) of the neurosurgeons during microsurgical clipping of aneurysm by using continuous real time monitoring of the ECG intraoperatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lead II ECG was recorded using Bioharness(®) (Zephyr Technologies, Annapolis, MD) in 4 healthy neurosurgeons who performed 29 microsurgical clipping of aneurysms. ECG from 21 surgeries was analysed (LabChart(®) software, ADInstruments, Dunedin, New Zealand) across five stages: Baseline (BL), sylvian fissure dissection (SFD), perianeurysmal dissection (PAD), clipping of the aneurysm (CLIP) and haemostasis (HEMO). RESULTS: There was a reduction in TP and an increased LF/HF ratio in spite of suppression of both LF and HF powers. Contrary to the common understanding that the sympathetic limb of the autonomic system mostly mediates responses during stress and anxiety, we found that there was a significant contribution of the parasympathetic system too.

Differential expression levels of collagen 1A2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4, and cathepsin B in intracranial aneurysms.

AIMS: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) express a variety of differentially expressed genes when compared to the normal artery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of a few genes in the aneurysm wall and to correlate them with various clinicoradiological factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA level of collagen 1A2 (COL1A2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4 (TIMP4), and cathepsin B (CTSB) genes were studied in 23 aneurysmal walls and 19 superficial temporal arteries harvested from 23 patients undergoing clipping of IAs, by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The mean fold change of COL1A2 gene between the aneurysm sample and the superficial temporal artery (STA) sample was 2.46 ± 0.12, that of TIMP4 gene was 0.31 ± 0, and that of CTSB gene was 31.47 ± 39.01. There was a positive correlation of TIMP4 expression level with maximum diameter of aneurysm (P = 0.008) and fundus of aneurysm (P = 0.012). The mean fold change of CTSB of patients who had preoperative hydrocephalus in the computed tomogram (CT) scan of the head at admission was 56.16 and that of the patients who did not have hydrocephalus was 13.51 (P = 0.008). The mean fold change of CTSB of patients who developed fresh postoperative deficits or worsening of the preexisting deficits was 23.64 and that of the patients who did not develop was 42.22 (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: COL1A2 gene and CTSB genes were overexpressed, and TIMP4 gene was underexpressed in the aneurysmal sac compared to STA and their expression levels were associated with a few clinicoradiological factors.

Microsurgical treatment of distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: A 25 year institutional experience.

INTRODUCTION: We present a retrospective study of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms operated at our institute. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1988 to 2013, a total of 132 DACA aneurysms were managed surgically. The retrospective data of these patients was collected and analysed. RESULTS: They comprised 6.2% of all 2137 aneurysms operated during the same period. The mean age at presentation was 48.3 years (range: 24-77 years) and the male: female ratio was 1:2. The notable symptom in 114 (86.4%) patients was headache, in 94 (71.2%) was loss of consciousness, in 25 (18.9%) was seizures, and in 17 (12.9%) was limb weakness. There were 99 (75%) patients in World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade <3 at admission. On plain computed tomography (CT) scan, intracerebral hemorrhage was seen in 49 (37.1%) and intraventricular hemorrhage in 23 (17.4%) patients. The most common site of aneurysm was the pericallosal (A3 segment) artery noted in 65 (49.2%) patients. Multiple aneurysms were observed in 16 (12.1%) cases. The mean timing of surgery from the first ictus was 17.8 days. The delay was due to a late referral, poor general condition, recurrent bleeding, and worse WFNS grade at presentation. Aneurysms were operated through the following approaches: parasaggital craniotomy in 61 (46.2%), bifrontal craniotomy in 64 (48.5%), and frontotemporal craniotomy in 7 (5.3%). Aneurysms could be successfully clipped in 93.2% of the cases. Postoperative mortality was 8 (6%). The follow-up data was available for 83 (62.9%) patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 15.1 months (1-70 months), with more than 41 (31%) patients having a follow-up of more than 6 months. A favorable outcome (good recovery or moderate disability) was seen in 71 (85.5%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: A meticulous attention to the surgical technique provides gratifying results in DACA aneurysms even in patients who present initially in a compromised clinical status.

Extended endoscopic endonasal transclival clipping of posterior circulation aneurysms--an alternative to the transcranial approach.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial clipping of most posterior circulation aneurysms is one of the most difficult procedures, with high morbidity, and endovascular coiling is an alternative with less risk, but is not devoid of complications and not suitable for all aneurysms. Here we describe four cases of posterior circulation aneurysms clipped via the extended endoscopic endonasal transclival route. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of basilar top and posterior cerebral artery aneurysms being clipped endonasally. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four patients with posterior circulation aneurysms underwent extended endoscopic endonasal transclival clipping of the aneurysm. The age range was 35-70 years. There were two males and two females. Three of the four patients presented after the rupture of aneurysms, and the other patient presented with sudden-onset left hemiparesis probably due to thromboembolism from a large unruptured left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysm. On evaluation with four-vessel digital subtraction angiography (DSA), two patients had a basilar apex aneurysm, one had a basilar trunk aneurysm, and the other had a PCA (P1) aneurysm. Postoperatively, two patients had good recovery. One patient with a PCA aneurysm and another with a basilar apex aneurysm had fresh postoperative deficits. One patient developed postoperative CSF rhinorrhea. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic extended transnasal surgery is an expanding field in neurosurgery with a steep learning curve. With improvement in techniques and instrumentation the use of this approach for clipping posterior circulation aneurysms can become an effective alternative in the treatment of aneurysms.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus central nervous system infections--Analysis and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated infections are potentially devastating and fatal. It has two distinct pathogenic mechanisms: postoperative and spontaneous. In the study presented here, we review the epidemiology, clinical features, response to treatment, and outcome of MRSA central nervous system infections at our tertiary referral institute. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this analysis, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who were diagnosed with S. aureus meningitis between January 2010 and December 2012. Clinical information included predisposing factors, past medical history, comorbidities, mode of acquisition of infection, as well as therapeutic management, length of treatment, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 34 cases of MRSA meningitis were diagnosed during the study period. There were 28 (82.4%) cases of postoperative meningitis and 6 (17.6%) cases of spontaneous meningitis. A majority (24/28) of the patients had one or the other predisposing conditions for the infection. Compared with patients with postoperative meningitis, patients with spontaneous meningitis had a significantly older (31.93 yrs vs 55.8 yrs; p = 0.021) and higher frequency of community-acquired infection (100% vs. 39%; p = 0.007). In patients with postoperative meningitis, the median postoperative day when the infection manifested clinically was day- 19 (range, 3-90 days). A total of 25/34 (74%) patients received definitive antibiotic (vancomycin and/or linezolid based) therapy. Nine patients were continued on empirical antimicrobial therapy (combination of ceftriaxone, amikacin, and metronidazole), as the organism was sensitive to those drugs. There were no in-hospital mortalities in our series, though 3/34 patients (8.8%) were discharged with Glasgow coma score (GCS)< 8 and 8/34 patients (23.5%) were discharged with GCS 9-12 from the hospital. CONCLUSION: In acute bacterial meningitis, there is a progressive shift from methicillin-sensitive strains to methicillin-resistant strains in recent years. Although most patients have a favorable response to vancomycin and linezolid, the beneficial effect of combined antimicrobial therapy or alternative antibiotics needs to be evaluated.

Surgical management of petroclival meningiomas: Factors affecting early post-operative outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Petroclival meningiomas pose a major challenge to the treating neurosurgeon. The philosophy of treatment has changed over the decades from a nihilistic attitude to that of aggressive total excision to now a more tempered, maximal safe excision preventing morbidity followed by adjuvant treatment. Despite the advances in neurosurgery, surgical management of these tumours is still associated with sizable morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of surgically managed petroclival meningiomas at our institute. Clinical status, radiological features and surgical outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Between January 2003 and August 2013, we have operated on 30 patients. The most common presenting complaints were varying degrees of cranial nerve involvement and cerebellar dysfunction. Surgery was done using one of the skull base approaches with the retrosigmoid approach being used maximally (22 cases). Total or near-total excision was possible in 11 cases. There was a post-operative deterioration in cranial nerve functions in all patients and deterioration in Karnofsky Performance Score in seven patients at discharge. Three improved to independent status on follow-up. There was mortality in two cases. Overall 23 of the 30 patients (76.6%) had favourable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: These are challenging tumours to treat and are associated with sizable morbidity and mortality. On statistical analysis, we found that if the tumour has a size of 3-5 cm and petroclival in location with no sphenoid extension and the lesion is homogenous on T2-weighted images, then there was a trend towards gross total resection and favourable outcome.

Chromosomal aberrations in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas: A fluorescence in situ hybridization study.

OBJECTIVE: There is significant variability in the biologic behavior of meningiomas, especially of atypical and anaplastic meningiomas, that cannot be accounted for by just histology and grade of excision. The aim of our study was to analyze deletions in regions 22q, 18p11, 1p32, and 14q32 in grade II and grade III meningiomas and their correlation with tumor grade and recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 59 samples from 50 cases of grade II and grade III meningiomas were analyzed with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique with locus specific probes. The types of aberrations and deletions were analyzed and correlated with the tumor status. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in deletions in recurrences when compared to primary surgeries. The mean mitotic index was higher in patients with deletions. Patients with 18p deletions tended to be younger and had a significant association with sheeting. 22q deletions were associated with hypercellular tumors. 1p, 14q, and 1p14q codeletion had a significant association with mitosis ≥7. CONCLUSION: This is a first study from India analyzing all these four sites for deletions using the FISH technique. Recurrent tumors and tumors with tendency to recur have a higher frequency of deletions. The FISH study can be used to predict the behavior of meningiomas if significant association is found. Further studies in larger sets of patients along with their clinical correlation would help in categorizing patients who have a higher risk of recurrence and help in guiding their clinical management.