[Severe temporal bone fractures in children: clinical presentation, complications and sequelae observed in the last 11 years]. / Fracturas de temporal graves en niños: presentación, complicaciones y secuelas observadas en los últimos 11 años.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical presentation, complications and sequelae in patients with temporal bone fracture in the last 11 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 27 patient medical records were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients who were admitted for temporal bone fracture from 2001 to 2012, 13 (48%) had no petrous involvement (Group 1), and 14 (52%) with petrous involvement (Group 2). Patients in Group 2 had a longer P-ICU stay: median 4.5 days (RI: 2.75-22.25 d) vs 2 (RI: 1-3 d) (P=.018); more days on mechanical ventilation support: median 3 days (RI: 1.50-17 d) vs 1 (RI: 1-1.25 d). This group also had a higher frequency in sequelae (P=.04 OR=1.4 (95% CI: 1.05-1.95)) and a higher incidence in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula (P<.02; OR 2.33; 95% CI (1.27-4.27)). Severity scores (PRIMS III and PTI) showed no significant differences. Some degree of hearing loss was observed in 31% of the patients. Traffic accident was the main cause of trauma (33%), followed by falls (27%). There were 2 deaths and 4 (15%) had permanent sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated temporal bone fractures usually have a good outcome in children, but in some cases they can be fatal or have permanent sequelae. Long term follow up is recommended by authors.

[Positional cranial deformations: a clinical-epidemiological study]. / Deformaciones craneales posicionales: estudio clínico-epidemiológico.

INTRODUCTION: Cranial deformities have always existed, but it is only until recently that they provoked a greater interest. Several reports have demonstrated an increasing tendency for occipital plagiocephaly. This work presents an analysis of the clinical-epidemiological features of these deformities in our area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records and neuroimaging studies of 158 children seen at our hospital due to a skull deformation were analyzed, paying special attention to risk factors. RESULTS: During the study period, an increase in the number of consultations for skull deformation of children was noted. The mean age for the patients at consultation was 9 months. There was a predominance of boys (68%) over girls. The deformities were: unilateral- (89.2%) or bilateral-posterior plagiocephaly (7.6%), and dolicochephaly (3.2%). In addition to the supine position for sleeping, there were several risk factors, among them pericerebral collections of cerebrospinal fluid found in 50% of children subjected to neuroimaging studies. Most children were managed conservatively, while 12 patients were given helmets, which led to an improvement in 136 cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The present findings agree with those in the current literature. A unique result of this study was the high rate of pericerebral fluid collections found in children assessed with neuroimaging methods. The increase in positional plagiocephaly seems to parallel the application of the recommendations for supine sleeping position established by the American Academy of Pediatrics for preventing the sudden infant death syndrome. The role played by Pediatricians in the detection, initial management and referral of these children is highlighted. Prevention measures seem to be more important than those regarding treatment.

CSF overdrainage in shunted intracranial arachnoid cysts: a series and review.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overdrainage in hydrocephalus is well recognized. Overshunting following cysto-peritoneal (CP) drainage in patients with arachnoid cysts (AC) is rarely documented. AIM: We report five patients with acquired Chiari malformation I and three with posterior fossa overcrowding due to excessive CSF drainage in shunted intracranial ACs. We review our observations and discuss the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and management of this complication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of the eight patients were analyzed in regard to clinical manifestation, cyst and shunt characteristics, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 5.5 years. After an average interval of 5 years, five patients developed symptoms related to hindbrain herniation and three to severe shunt overdrainage following CP shunting. Several management modalities were utilized that achieved a good result in seven instances. DISCUSSION: Some shunted ACs may evolve with overdrainage syndromes. Posterior fossa overcrowding and tonsillar herniation constitute their most severe forms. CSF hypotension, bone changes, venous engorgement, and probably cerebral chronic edema at the posterior fossa constitute the main factors involved in the pathogenesis of this entity. We also review previous instances of acquired Chiari malformation originating after AC shunting. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior fossa overcrowding and acquired Chiari I malformation can develop after excessive CSF drainage of intracranial ACs. Overshunting manifestations require prompt recognition and management. Preventive measures consist of making a stringent selection of cases being considered for surgery, avoiding CP drainage, and placing of a programmable valve as initial treatment of intracranial ACs if shunting is considered.