Traumatic lumbar spondylolisthesis: A case report and review of literature.

Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral junction (SPL) is a spinal injury rarely seen in current practice. Few cases are reported in the literature. It arises from complex trauma of high-energy mechanisms. We discussed the case of a young patient. He is 24 years old without notable pathological history victim of a traffic road accident. Clinically, he has no sensory or motor deficit, it is a spinal trauma classified American spinal injury association E (ASIA E) with severe back pain. A whole-body CT scan performed on admission showed a grade 2 L5-S1 SPL. A lumbar MRI revealed a tear of the disc at L5-S1. We performed a laminectomy to decompress the dural sheath and cauda equina roots with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. A postoperative CT scan showed the reduction of the spondylolisthesis. Two months later, the patient resumed walking. Surgery is the gold standard for the management of traumatic SPL. The aim of surgery is to achieve neural structure decompression and obtain stability with fusion.

Surgical Management and Outcome of the Planum Sphenoidale Meningioma: A Single-Center Strobe Compliant Study.

BACKGROUND: The resection of the jugum (planum) sphenoidale meningioma (JSM) is challenging, and there is a scarcity of available data in the literature. This study aimed to describe the surgical management and long-term outcome of jugum sphenoidale meningioma. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 91 JSM patients treated in our department from 2005 to 2022. All the included patients have undergone surgical treatment. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were extracted with specific attention to the age at onset, family history, duration from symptoms to diagnosis, clinical presentation, quality of excision, recurrence, and treatment outcome. RESULTS: WHO grade I and grade II meningioma were 83.5% (n = 76) and 16.5% (n = 15) respectively. Fronto-lateral 42.9% (n = 39) and pterional approaches 57.1% (n = 52) were the 2 major surgical approaches used for the management of planum sphenoidale meningioma. Twelve patients needed emergency surgical treatment at admission: 4 (4.4%) External CSF Shunt and 8 (8.8%) VP-Shunt. We have found a statistically significant (P = 0.032) association between the quality of excision and the risk of recurrence. The GTR (Hazard ratio = 1) of the planum meningioma protects the patient from recurrence within 60 months of follow-up. Postoperative complications encountered were CSF-Leak in 2.2%, Meningitis 4.4%, surgical site infection 2.2%, and surgical site hematoma 3.3%. The overall postoperative favorable outcome was 68.1% (n = 62). CONCLUSIONS: The pterional approach has allowed the achievement of GTR for jugum sphenoidale meningioma with protective odds from recurrence risk.

Dermoid cyst, unusual location of the pterion: About a case and review of literature.

Intracranial dermoid cysts are benign tumors of congenital origin. The intradiploic forms are rare, exceptional at the pterional level. We report the case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with a cutaneous fistula in the left frontotemporal region. The blind end of the fistula was an intradiploic dermoid cyst in the rare location of the pterion confirmed by imaging and histopathology. Once this lesion is suspected, it is important to identify its location and morphology using imaging techniques and to complete excision of the cyst to avoid complications associated with infection and to mitigate the risk of subtotal resection.

Evaluation of unruptured aneurysm scoring systems and ratios in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms.

Background: This study aims to appraise aneurysm scores and ratios' ability to discriminate between ruptured aneurysms and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients harboring multiple intracranial aneurysms (MICAs). We, then, investigate the most frequent risk factors associated with MICAs. Methods: We retrospectively applied unruptured intracranial aneurysm treatment score (UIATS) and population hypertension age size of aneurysm earlier SAH from another aneurysm site of aneurysm (PHASES) score, aspect, and dome-to-neck ratio to the 59 consecutive spontaneous SAH patients with MICAs admitted between January 2000 and December 2015 to the Department of Neurosurgery of the University Hospital Center "Hôpital des Spécialités" of Rabat (Morocco). Patients with at least two intracranial aneurysms (IAs) confirmed on angiography were included in the study. Results: Fifty-nine patients were harboring 128 IAs. The most frequent patient-level risk factors were arterial hypertension (AHT) 30.5 % (n = 18) and smoking status 22.0 % (n = 13). A PHASES score recommended treatment in 52 of 60 ruptured aneurysms and in six of 68 UIAs with a sensitivity of 31.67% and a specificity of 76.47%. UIATS recommended treatment in 26 of 62 ruptured aneurysms and in 35 of 55 UIAs with a sensitivity of 41.9% and a specificity of 63.6%. Aspect ratio recommended treatment in 60 of 60 ruptured aneurysms and in 63 of 68 UIAs with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88.24%. Dome-to-neck ratio recommended treatment in 45 of 60 ruptured aneurysms and in 48 of 68 UIAs with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 63.24%. The aspect ratio (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.953) AUC > 0.8 has a higher discriminatory power between ruptured aneurysms and UIAs. Conclusion: AHT and smoking status were the most common risk factors for intracranial multiple aneurysms and the aspect ratio and PHASES score were the most powerful discrimination tools between ruptured aneurysms and the UIAs.

Lumbar Morel-Lavallée lesion: a case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Here we describe a rare post-traumatic lesion and discuss its management. BACKGROUND: Lumbar Morel-Lavallée is a rarely reported lesion. The cause is usually post-traumatic in a polytraumatic context, and care is often focused elsewhere. This leads to misdiagnosis with a risk of chronic pain and infection. In addition, there is no consensus for the management as few cases have been reported so far. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old African woman was involved in a motor accident. Physical examination at the emergency department revealed moderate head trauma, a lumbar inflammatory mass, and a closed leg fracture. She underwent a whole-body computed tomography scan, which revealed a left frontal brain contusion and a large left paraspinal mass in favor of a lumbar Morel-Lavallée lesion. She benefited from osteosynthesis and conservative management of the cerebral and lumbar lesions. After 4 days, she complained of headaches and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging was requested. There was resorption of the cerebral contusion, and the lumbar mass was heterogeneous. She was discharged 10 days later without lower back pain and fully recovered from the headaches. Ultrasound of the lumbar soft tissue performed a month later showed no more collection. CONCLUSION: More frequent in young men, lumbar Morel-Lavallée lesion is underdiagnosed. Thus, there is no consensus on its treatment. However, conservative management followed by close monitoring is advisable in the acute phase. Other therapy includes surgery with or without the use of sclerosing agents. Early diagnosis prevents infections. Although the diagnosis is clinical, magnetic resonance imaging is the critical paraclinical examination for its assessment. Our case is interesting because it occurs in a woman following polytrauma, and to the best of our knowledge, it is an extremely rare lesion, especially in women.

Spinal intradural epidermoid cyst: Case report.

Spinal epidermoid cysts are rare benign tumors. The etiology can be acquired or congenital. We present a rare case of an 18-month-old girl presented 4 months ago with spontaneous intergluteal swelling fistulized to the skin and lower limbs weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated an intradural tumor from L3 to L5 levels, isointense on T1, hyperintense on T2-weighted images with contrast enhancement after gadolinium injection without any coexistent spinal dysraphism suggested the diagnosis of the dermal sinus. The patient underwent triple-level laminectomy for biopsy and tumor resection. A pearly white tumor was encountered, with a subsequent biopsy confirming it to be an epidermoid tumor. At 6-month follow-up, the neurologic deficit was improved. Spinal epidermoid cysts are rare tumors that evolve slowly. Complete total removal is the treatment of choice.

A SCARE-compliant case report of recurrent meningioma in a 75-year-old patient after 10 years of surgical resection.

Meningiomas are intracranial extracerebral tumors derived from arachnoid cells of the neural crest. They represent ∼20% of primary intracranial tumors and are seen as more common in elderly patients and women. Recurrence of meningioma can be observed during the early years after surgical treatment, but their occurrence within 10 years is rare. Case presentation: In this report, the authors discuss a case of a 75-year-old patient with a recurrence of a frontal meningioma after 10 years of successful surgical resection. Our patient was a female who presented amnesia and memory lapses associated with several weeks of progressive heaviness of the lower limbs accompanied by speech heaviness, intense headaches, asthenia, consciousness disorder, and tonic-clonic convulsive seizures for 10 days. The patient had previously been treated for a benign meningioma by surgical excision. Imaging was performed, and recurrent frontal meningioma was retained as a final diagnosis. The patient underwent a successful total resection of her frontal tumor. Clinical discussion: Recurrent tumors after complete surgical removal of meningiomas are rare and may be associated with microscopic residues. The more radical the surgery, the lower the risk of observing a recurrence. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be proposed, but the evidence is still lacking. Careful follow-up of all patients with or without complete surgical resection is therefore recommended. Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of suspecting recurrence of meningioma in adult patients after successful surgical excision, even after 10 years of free disease. Clinicians should be aware of long-term meningioma recurrence in this population, and imaging is key for a positive diagnosis.

Global Neurosurgery in the Context of Global Public Health Practice-A Literature Review of Case Studies.

Neurosurgical conditions are a substantial contributor to surgical burden worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries carrying a disproportionately large part. Policy initiatives such as the National Surgical, Obstetrics and Anesthesia Plans and Comprehensive Policy Recommendations for the Management of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Low-and-Middle-Income countries have highlighted the need for an intersectoral approach, not just at the hospital level but on a large scale encompassing national public health strategies. This article aims to show through case studies how addressing this surgical burden is not limited to the clinical context but extends to public health strategies as well. For example, vitamin B12 and folic acid are micronutrients that, if not at adequate levels, can result in debilitating neurosurgical conditions. In Ethiopia, through coalesced efforts between neurosurgeons and policy makers, the government has made strides in implementing food fortification programs at a national level to address the neurosurgical burden. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another neurosurgical burden that unevenly affects LMICs. Countries such as Colombia and India have shown the importance of legislation and enforcement, coupled with robust data collection and auditing systems; strong academic advocacy of neurosurgeons can drastically reduce TBIs. Despite the importance of public health efforts in addressing neurosurgical conditions, there is a lack of neurosurgeon involvement in public health and lack of integration of neurosurgical burden in national health planning systems. It is imperative that neurosurgeons advocate for and are included in aspects of public health policy. Neurosurgery does not stop within the bounds of the hospital, and neither should the role of a neurosurgeon.

Current state of global neurosurgery activity amongst European neurosurgeons.

BACKGROUND: The expanding field of global neurosurgery calls for a committed neurosurgical community to advocate for universal access to timely, safe, and affordable neurosurgical care for everyone, everywhere. This study aims to (i) assess the current state of global neurosurgery activity amongst European neurosurgeons and (ii) identify barriers to involvement in global neurosurgery initiatives. METHODS: Cross-sectional study through dissemination of a web-based survey, from September 2019 to January 2020, to collect data from European neurosurgeons at various career stages. Descriptive analysis was conducted on respondent data. RESULTS: Three hundred and ten neurosurgeons from 40 European countries responded. 53.5% regularly follow global neurosurgery developments. 29.4% had travelled abroad with a global neurosurgery collaborative, with 23.2% planning a future trip. Respondents from high income European countries predominantly travelled to Africa (41.6%) or Asia (34.4%), whereas, respondents from middle income European countries frequently traversed Europe (63.2%) and North America (47.4). Cost implications (66.5%) were the most common barrier to global neurosurgery activity, followed by interference with current practice (45.8%), family duties (35.2%), difficulties obtaining humanitarian leave (27.7%) and lack of international partners (27.4%). 86.8% would incorporate a global neurosurgery period within training programmes. CONCLUSIONS: European neurosurgeons are interested in engaging in global neurosurgery partnerships, and several sustainable programmes focused on local capacity building, education and research have been established over the last decade. However, individual and system barriers to engagement persist. We provide insight into these to allow development of tailored mechanisms to overcome such barriers, enabling European neurosurgeons to advocate for the Global Surgery 2030 goals.

Immunohistochemical expression of HIF-1α, IDH1 and TP53: Prognostic profile of Moroccan patients with diffuse glioma.

Diffuse gliomas are growing brain tumors that occur in adult life. This study was designed to determine whether the immunohistochemical analysis of IDH1, HIF-1alpha, or TP53 can provide useful biomarkers of clinical severity and progression of diffuse gliomas. Also, it is hypothesized that the expression of IDH1 mutant induces HIF-1alpha. Immunohistochemical staining for HIF-1alpha, IDH1, and TP 53 was performed in biopsy or resection (sub-total or gross-total) tissue from diffuse gliomas in a clinical series of 32 patients. Associations of the HIF-1alpha, IDH1, and TP53 with clinical characteristics were evaluated and the co-expression of two biomarkers (HIF-1alpha and IDH1) was tested. Our data revealed that each biomarker is expressed in a subset of gliomas (IDH1 was positive in 56% cases, HIF-1alpha was positive in 50% cases and TP53 was positive in 44% cases). While no associations were found between clinical characteristics and the expression of HIF-1alpha, and TP53, IDH1 expression was associated with less severe clinical presentation (Karnofsky Performance Status) and disease progression and was more often expressed in females than males. In addition, there was no clear association between IDH1 and HIF-1alpha expression (21.9% of patients co-expressed IDH1 and HIF-1alpha). The current series provides clinical and immunohistochemical findings that can be useful for the clinical management of patients with diffused gliomas.

Correlation of immunohistochemical expression of HIF-1alpha and IDH1 with clinicopathological and therapeutic data of moroccan glioblastoma and survival analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastomas are aggressive primary intracranial tumours of the central nervous system causing significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of tissue expression by immunostaining of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), and tumour protein p53 in glioblastoma in Moroccan patients. The association of HIF-1α, IDH1, and p53 expression with the clinicopathological data and overall patient survival (OS) was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Confirmed glioblastomas were included in this study. Twenty-two tissue samples were obtained by neurosurgical intervention resulting from total resection, and subtotal resection or biopsy. Karnofsky index, histological type of tumour, and the status of IDH1, p53 protein, and HIF-1α expression by immunostaining were reported. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were males (64%) with a sex ratio of 1.75. The average age was 54 ± 13. Median follow-up was 10.10 months and median overall survival was 10 months. The expression of HIF-1α was high in 10 samples (45%) and low in 12 (55%). There was a statistically significant difference in OS of 85% at 12 months for the subgroup of patients "HIF-1α negative IDH1 positive" p = 0.038, the unadjusted analysis showed that the group "HIF-1α positive, IDH1 positive" was a poor prognostic factor, the HR was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.009-0.756, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Patients with negative HIF-1α expression and positive IDH1 expression have a better prognosis, suggesting that these two biomarkers may be useful in the search for new approaches for targeted therapy in glioblastoma.

Papillary tumor of the pineal region: Is stereotactic radiosurgery efficient for this rare entity?

BACKGROUND: Papillary tumors of the pineal region are rare neuroepithelial lesions that were described for the 1st time in the WHO 2007 classification. Management of such lesions remains controversial. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the case of a 26-year-old female who presented with intracranial hypertension syndrome secondary to a 1.9 cm3 lesion of the pineal region causing hydrocephalus. The patient benefited from an endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy and a biopsy of her lesion in favor of a papillary tumor of the pineal region. After discussion of the surgical risks, the patient refused the surgical option and a stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was performed. She improved both clinically (allowing her to regain autonomy) and radiologically (reduction of 60% of tumor volume) at 1 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Because of the rarity of the lesion, literature is yet not able to find consensus concerning management of such lesion, but SRS has proven efficiency for these Grades II or III lesions with high recurrence rates. Therefore, it should be considered as a primary therapeutic option allowing good outcome with low risks for the patient.

Global neurosurgical workforce density-you cannot improve what you do not measure.

Five million neurosurgical cases go untreated each year. This is in part due to the lack of neurosurgical care providers. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies has spearheaded efforts to monitor the number of neurosurgical providers around the globe since 2016. In this perspective, we discuss why, when, and how the neurosurgical workforce should be measured.

The Transcranial Stab Wound and the Life-Saving Zygomatic Arch Clinical Report.

A 58-year-old man presented to the neurosurgical emergencies for a transzygomatic transcranial stab wound with a retained broken knife. The patient was neurologically intact. After radiographic evaluation the knife was found to be penetrating the temporal lobe, neighboring the intracavernous portion of the carotid artery. The patient was successfully managed in a conservative way. No abnormalities were seen at 12 months of follow-up. Dealing with penetrating head injuries is a usual condition in neurosurgical practice. Some situations are though really challenging, especially when the offending object is still in place, with a close connection to vital structures. This clinical reports an unusual penetrating head injury, highlighting the importance of careful radiographic evaluation and trying to discuss clear management options.

Neurosurgical management of anterior meningo-encephaloceles about 60 cases.

Anterior meningo-encephaloceles (AME) are congenital malformations characterized by herniation of brain tissue and meninges through a defect in the cranium, in frontal, orbital, nasal and ethmoidal regions. The management of this complex congenital malformation is controversial according to whether use, an intracranial, extra-cranial or combined approach. This is the first largest series published in Africa, in which we present our experience in the operative management of AME; we share our recommendation in technical consideration for surgical approach with review of the literature. All patients beneficed of neuro-radiological investigations including Plan X rays, Spiral Three dimensional CT scan and MRI. Ophthalmologic and maxillo-facial evaluations were done in all the cases. MEA are surgically approached in various ways, mainly on the basis of its location and type, by cranio-facial approach in one-step, or in two stages by intracranial approach followed by facial approach, only by cranial approach or facial approach. The surgical results were evaluated in the follow up on the basis of disappearance of cranio-facial tumefaction with correction of hypertelorism. 60 children with AME were treated in our department between January 1992 and December 2012. The mean age at time of surgery was 14 months (20 days to 18 years) with slight men predominance (28 females/32 males). Cranio-facial team operated 21 patients, 16 were operated in two stages by intracranial approach followed by facial approach, 20 cases beneficed the neurosurgical approach and three only the facial approach Some post operative complications were observed: 2 cases of post operative hydrocephalus underwent shunt; CSF fistulas in three cases cured by spinal drainage, one death due to per operative hypothermia, 3 cases of recurrence how needed second surgery. After mean follow up for 80 months (1 year to 19 years) theses techniques permitted a good cosmetics results in 42 cases, average cosmetics results in 8 cases, poor results in 5 cases and worse cosmetics results in 4 cases, The AME are rare conditions we used the multiples approach first intracranial approach followed by facial approach, but after 1998 we used one-step correction by combined approach, only cranial approach when needed or facial correction.

Orbital hydatid cyst: review of 10 cases.

BACKGROUND: Echinococcosis represents one of the most common human parasitoses in some geographical areas. Orbital involvement is extremely rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the records of our Medical University Centre between 1984 and 2006, we found 10 cases of orbital hydatid cyst. RESULTS: Among them, 6 males and 4 females; the ages ranged from 2 to 60 years and 7 cases (70%) were less than 12 years of age. The main symptoms of orbital hydatid cyst were slowly progressive unilateral proptosis (100%) with visual loss (90%). The presumptive diagnosis was made on the images obtained from computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical removal was the main treatment; although, it is frequently complicated with cyst rupture and spillage of the contents. For this reason, we adopted the technique of cyst puncture with irrigation. A postoperative antihelminthic treatment has always been used. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cyst is an endemic disease in Morocco. Orbital involvement should be considered in the differential diagnosis of proptosis especially in children known to have been in affected geographical areas.

Spinal intradural extramedullary hydatidosis: report of three cases.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal hydatid cyst is a serious form of hydatid disease affecting fewer than 1% of all patients with hydatid disease. We report 3 healthy patients who presented with progressive paraparesis attributed to a histologically proven intradural hydatid cyst. METHODS: There were 2 children (1 boy, 1 girl) and 1 adult with a mean age of 12 years. The median follow-up duration was 16 months. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging was performed in the 3 patients, and an anatomic and topographical diagnosis of the intradural hydatid cyst was made. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed cystic lesions with peripheral contrast enhancement. Surgery was performed through laminectomy, complete resection was achieved, and antihelminthic treatment with albendazole 10 mg/kg-1 per day for 6 months was included in the postoperative treatment. The patients improved after surgery with normal motor function. CONCLUSION: This localization is rare and serious, but its prognosis is excellent if diagnosis is made early enough and surgery is performed in time to prevent cyst rupture.

Intradural cervical inflammatory pseudotumor mimicking epidural hematoma in a pregnant woman: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory pseudotumors usually affect the lung and the orbit. They occur extremely rarely in the spine. We encountered a case of intradural extramedullary IPT of the cervical spine in a pregnant woman that initially presented as an epidural hematoma in MRI. CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a case of a 30-year-old, HIV-negative, full-term pregnant lady presenting with 2-month history of progressive quadriparesis with rapid worsening of power in all 4 limbs for 3 days. Magnetic resonance imaging scanning revealed cervical extramedullary compressive lesion likely to be epidural bleed from its imaging characteristics. Intraoperatively, intradural extramedullary granulomatous lesion was found with dural thickening. Gross total excision was accomplished; histopathologic study assessed an IPT. The patient improved after surgery excision and is doing well at 6-month follow-up with remarkable neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: Cervical intradural IPT is a very rare issue in the spine. Diagnosis can be confused with a neoplastic lesion like an "en plaque meningioma" or as epidural bleed like in the present case.

Management of intracranial arachnoid cysts: institutional experience with initial 32 cases and review of the literature.

Surgical indications and modalities in treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts still remain controversial owing to limited understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms and natural history of this pathology. Current literature favours endoscopic interventions for arachnoid cysts. We retrospectively reviewed 32 intracranial arachnoid cysts managed over 11-year period in our institution. Post-therapeutic results were clinically and radiologically assessed. Supratentorial location of cysts was noted in 75% cases (n=24) while 25% cysts were located infratentorially (n=8). The mean cyst size was 54mm in largest dimension (range 10-100mm; median 50mm). Hemiparesis was noted in 37% cases, raised intracranial pressure and seizures in 34% cases each, while cranial nerve dysfunction was noted in 16% cases. Seventy five percent cases were surgically managed: excision and marsupialization was done in 53% cases (n=17), stereotactic aspiration in 12.5% cases (n=4), endoscopic fenestration in 6.25% cases (n=2) and cystoperitoneal shunting initially in 1 case (3%) and after recurrence of primarily excised cysts in 2 cases. Conservative treatment with regular clinical and imaging control was done in 25% cases (n=8). The mean follow-up was 72 months (range: 12-108 months). Good outcome was noted in 72% cases, 16% cases remained unchanged while only one case with giant suprasellar cyst worsened. With excision and marsupialization, 65% of cysts reduced in size (n=11/17), 17% cysts resolved completely (n=3/17). The overall recurrence rate was 29%. Surgery excision and marsupialization of symptomatic cases provided good results.