Effect of 3% Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation on Lactate Clearance and Its Comparison With 0.9% Normal Saline in Traumatic Injury Patients: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND:  Fluid resuscitation with normal saline (NS) can aggravate lactate production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of small-volume resuscitation using 3% hypertonic sodium chloride (HS) and its comparison with NS in trauma patients. The primary endpoint was an increase in lactate clearance after 1 hr of fluid resuscitation. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of hemodynamic stability, the volume of transfusion, correction of metabolic acidosis, and complications such as fluid overload and abnormal serum sodium levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective, randomized, single-blind study. The study was conducted on 60 patients who arrived at the trauma center for emergency operative intervention. Inclusion criteria for patient selection were trauma victims of age more than 18 years and the requirement of emergency operative intervention for trauma except for traumatic brain injury. Patients were divided into two groups: Group HS (hypertonic saline) and Group NS (normal saline). Patients were resuscitated with either 3% HS (4ml/kg) or 0.9% NS (20ml/kg). RESULTS: The HS group had higher lactate clearance at 1 hour compared to the NS group, and this difference was statistically significant with a p-value of <0.001. When hemodynamic parameters were compared at 30 and 60 minutes after resuscitation, the HS group had a significantly lower heart rate (p<0.05 at 30 minutes and <0.001 at 60 minutes, respectively), a higher mean arterial pressure at 60 minutes (p<0.001), a higher pH at 60 minutes (p< 0.05), and a higher bicarbonate concentration at 60 minutes (p<0.05). The HS and NS groups had significant differences in serum sodium levels at 60 minutes (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Resuscitation with 3% hypertonic saline improved lactate clearance. Lower volumes of fluid infusion for resuscitation achieved better hemodynamic stability and correction of metabolic acidosis in the hypertonic saline group. Our study shows that hypertonic saline can be a promising fluid for small-volume resuscitation in trauma patients with compensated mild to moderate shock.

Country-Made Firearm (Desi-Katta)-Related Cranial Injuries: An Institutional Experience.

Background: Approximately, 80% of civilian cranial gunshot injuries in India are mainly due to unlicensed mostly country-made guns, called the "Desi-Kattas," manufactured by the traditional gunsmiths. These injuries constitute a unique subgroup, with respect to the make and design along with the unique wound ballistics compared to the factory-made firearms. Objective: This study is aimed at defining the prognostic factors in predicting the outcomes related to cranial gunshot injuries due to these desi-kattas. Methods: Ten patients with kata-related cranial gunshot injury underwent surgical intervention at our institution, between 2014 and 2018. Their clinical status, imaging features, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Ten patients with kata-related gunshot injuries to the head were identified. Homicidal injuries were documented in six cases. Five had a GCS of 13-15 at presentation. Exit wounds were noted in 50% of the suicidal cases. Multilobar involvement was seen in 70% of cases, with the bullet crossing the midline in only 40% cases. Decompressive craniectomy was required in five cases. Eight patients had a Glasgow Outcome Score of four or more at 6 months of follow-up. There was one death during the follow-up period, while the other patient remains to be in vegetative state. Conclusion: The Katta-related cranial injuries constitute low-muzzle velocity injuries with the majority of the patients sustaining nonfatal injuries, especially homicidal. The presence of positive CT findings and the crossing of the bullet across the midline on CT brain predicts dismal prognosis. Optimal neurosurgical approach should consist of minimal local debridement and attain water seal dural closure.

Predictors of Postoperative ICU Admission in Patients With COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis.

BACKGROUND: Studies exploring factors predicting postoperative ICU requirement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) were not found in the literature. The aim was to evaluate the demographic profile, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, and intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations associated with ICU requirement amongst patients scheduled for sinonasal debridement. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. All CAM patients of ≥18 years were included. The patients' characteristics, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations, and outcome data were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included. Thirty got admitted to ICU, out of which 26 expired. Amongst the various comorbidities, diabetes was the most common (93.85%) and was associated with higher chances of ICU requirement. Of patients with a history of steroid intake, 71% had a significantly higher risk of ICU admission. Out of 30 patients admitted to ICU, 87% (n=26) received invasive ventilation, and the rest were admitted for observation only. CONCLUSION: Middle age, uncontrolled diabetes, history of steroid intake, increased levels of serum creatinine with low potassium, and increased total leucocyte count are the independent risk factors predicting postoperative ICU admission amongst patients with CAM scheduled for sinonasal debridement.

Trans-Oesophageal Migration of Pulled-Out Locking Screw (Zero-Profile Implant System) and its Retrieval Using Suction Catheter: A Technical Note.

Background: Intraoperative trans-esophageal migration of pulled-out screws, especially while using the zero-profile implant system, has been rarely reported in the literature. Objective: In this technical note, we are describing a simple technique to retrieve a trans-esophageally migrated pulled-out screw using a suction catheter. Material and Methods: A 32-year-old female presented with spastic quadriparesis. She underwent C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Nine months following the surgery, X-ray cervical spine showed implant loosening and failure of fusion across the instrumented disc space. However, during revision surgery, the loosened screw could not be located visually in the initial attempts, though it could be felt by probing the prevertebral space with the index finger. Intraoperative X-rays showed that the screw migrated curiously in the cranial direction as the surgical field was probed further manually. The screw was then finally retrieved using Magill's forceps assisted by video laryngoscopy assisted by intermittent negative pressure application via a blunt-tipped suction catheter. Results: She was discharged home on a Philadelphia collar, and at 1 year of follow-up, she was completely asymptomatic. Conclusion: Perforation of the aerodigestive tract by a displaced cervical spine implant is an uncommon complication. Manipulation during surgery may cause the implants embedded into the wall of the aerodigestive tract to become dislodged and then migrate into the pharyngeal lumen. In resource-constrained situations or when intraoperative endoscopy is not available, a trial of screw retrieval using a suction catheter may be attempted.

Ambiguity in the Dural Tail Sign on MRI.

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas give rise to the dural tail sign (DTS) on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI). The presence of DTS does not always qualify for a meningioma, as it is seen in only 60-72% of cases. This sign has been described in various other lesions like lymphomas, metastasis, hemangiopericytomas, schwannomas and very rarely glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The characteristics of dural-based GBMs are discussed here, as only eleven such cases are reported in the literature till date. Here we discuss the unique features of this rare presentation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 17-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) with, complaints of headache, recurrent vomiting, vision loss in right eye and altered sensorium. On examination patient was drowsy with right hemiparesis, secondary optic atrophy in the right eye and papilledema in the left eye. MRI brain showed, heterogeneous predominantly solid cystic lesion with central hypo-intense core suggestive of necrosis with heterogeneous enhancement and a positive DTS. Patient underwent emergency left parasagittal parieto-occipital craniotomy and gross total tumor excision including the involved dura and the falx. On opening the dura, tumor was surfacing, invading the superior sagittal sinus and the falx, greyish, soft to firm in consistency with central necrosis and highly vascular suggesting a high-grade lesion. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) of the brain showed evidence of gross total tumor (GTR) excision. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. Histopathological analysis revealed GBM with PNET like components. The dura as well as the falx were involved by the tumor. CONCLUSION: GBMs can arise in typical locations along with DTS mimicking meningiomas. Excision of the involved dura and the falx becomes important in this scenario, so as to achieve GTR. Hence high index of suspicion preoperatively aided by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRS) can help distinguish GBMs from meningioma, thereby impacting upon the prognosis.

Primary intracranial leiomyosarcoma presenting with massive peritumoral edema and mass effect: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Primary intracranial leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are unusual tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting all age groups, and are recently, becoming more prevalent in immunosuppressive conditions such as in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, only a few CNS LMS case reports exist in the English literature, on the occurrence of this rare entity in immunocompetent adults. Even, rarer is a purely intraparenchymal occurrence without any dural attachment in afflicted individuals. To the best of our knowledge, only four such cases have been reported in the literature until now. None of these cases were associated with marked peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) and mass effect as seen in our case and falsely suggesting an underlying glioma. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year-old male patient, presented with headache, right-sided weakness and difficulties with speech over 4 months along with a single generalized tonic clonic seizure. Physical examination revealed mild to moderate papilledema, motor aphasia, and right-sided hemiparesis. Radiographic evaluation showed a large left temporo-parietal mass extending into the basal ganglia with intense heterogeneous contrast enhancement. There was marked perilesional edema and mass effect with midline shift. The patient underwent a left temporo-parietal craniotomy for subtotal resection of the tumor. The post-operative period was uneventful. Histopathology revealed a spindle cell tumor, which stained immunopositive for smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and S-100, yielding the diagnosis of LMS. CONCLUSION: Primary intracranial LMS can rarely occur in immuno-competent adult patients and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraparenchymal lesions presenting with significant PTBE.

Retrospective analysis of prognostic factors in dengue infected patients with intracranial bleed.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is one of the most common mosquito-transmitted arboviral disease of tropical and a few subtropical areas in the world. It is estimated that approximately 100 million cases occur per year and approximately 2.5 billion people are at risk of developing dengue infection. Hemorrhagic complications causing encephalopathy are quite rare but fatal consequences of this deadly disease. This study was conducted to discuss the prognostic factors in the management of intracranial hemorrhage in dengue infected patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in the neurosurgery department of our tertiary healthcare centre. Duration of the study was 1 year, and 18 patients who presented with intracranial bleed and required neurosurgical care were included in this study. All patients had deranged coagulation profile and were thrombocytopenic. All the patients were given platelet concentrates for correction of thrombocytopenia. Eight of these patients had deterioration in their neurological status, and 6 of them underwent surgery. RESULTS: Out of 18 patients, 12 (66.66%) were managed conservatively, including one case of cervical extradural hemorrhage. Five patients who were conservatively managed died because they had deep-seated bleed and rapid deterioration. The remaining 7 patients who were managed conservatively improved well with few residual deficits. Six (33.33%) patients who underwent surgery had excellent outcome with one case of mortality. CONCLUSION: Very high index of suspicion is required in dengue infected patients for neurological complications, especially during the convalescence period. Special attention should be given to those patients who have altered sensorium, and should not be misinterpreted as fever delirium or toxic encephalopathy. It requires immediate attention and further neurological investigation (including thorough clinical examination). Timely diagnosis using a computed tomography scan and early neurosurgical intervention after rapid correction of thrombocytopenia can save many lives.

Intraventricular Gliosarcomas: Literature Review and a Case Description.

OBJECTIVE: Gliosarcomas are rare, extremely high-grade, bimorphous malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Intraventricular location is extremely rare, and only a few case reports exist in the literature. The aim of our study is to review clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of this unique oncological entity and report this rare case of primary cystic intraventricular gliosarcoma (IVGS) with a mural nodule. METHODS: A 23-year-old man had a 6-month history of headache and a single episode of generalized seizure. Examination revealed grade 1 papilledema. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion with a mural nodule located within the occipital horn of the right lateral ventricle, which exhibited an intense enhancement of the nodule with patchy rim enhancement of the wall on gadolinium administration. The patient underwent right parietal craniotomy and gross total excision of the tumor. RESULTS: Postoperative computed tomography of the brain showed evidence of complete tumor excision. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. Histopathologic analysis revealed malignant tumor comprising both glial and mesenchymal components suggestive of gliosarcoma. CONCLUSION: Primary IVGS is an extremely rare malignancy, with only 9 cases reported in the literature, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lateral ventricular tumors.