A case-based review on the neuroendoscopic management of intraventricular and subarachnoid basal neurocysticercosis.

OBJECTIVE: Extraparenchymal localization of neurocysticercosis (NCC) is rare in non-endemic areas. A case of mixed (intraventricular, IV, and subarachnoid basal, SAB) NCC was surgically treated using the neuroendoscope and a systematic review of the literature was performed with the aim to analyze the use of this instrument in the management of the extraparenchymal forms of the parasitic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline and Embase databases were searched for studies where the neuroendoscope was used for the management of IV/SAB NCC cysts, either for the cerebrospinal fluid diversion or cyst removal. Cyst location, complete removal, cyst breakage during removal, intraoperative and postoperative complications, administration of antihelmintic therapy, outcome and follow-up period were extracted from the articles. RESULTS: 281 patients were treated by means of the neuroendoscope. 254 patients who were described in retrospective cohort studies, came all from endemic areas, with no significant difference between sexes. Mean age at surgery was 30.7 years. Of all cysts reported in retrospective studies, 37.9% were located in the fourth ventricle. An attempt of cyst removal was described in the 84.6% of cases and an endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed in another 76.4%. A small number of complications were reported intraoperatively (9.1%) obtaining, but a good recovery was achieved at follow-up. Only 17 ventriculoperitoneal shunts were placed after the first procedure, defining a low risk of postoperative hydrocephalus even in case of partial cyst removal. CONCLUSION: Neuroendoscopic removal of an extraparenchymal NCC cyst is a safe procedure that should be preferred for lateral and third ventricle localization and, in a specialized centre, even for a localization in the fourth ventricle if feasible. It is also efficient because of the possibility of performing an internal CSF diversion concomitantly to cyst removal, avoiding the complication registered with VPS. The need for cysticidal treatment after surgery should be addressed in a prospective study.

Utility of intracranial pressure monitoring as a diagnostic tool in pediatric ventriculomegaly.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is commonly utilized for identifying pathologic ICP in cases of traumatic brain injury; however, its utility in hydrocephalic children has not been elucidated. Although patients with typical (pressure-active) hydrocephalus present with clear signs and/or symptoms and the need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is often clear, others may have arrested or pressure-compensated hydrocephalus with pathologic ICP elevation masked by ambiguous signs or are completely asymptomatic. Without treatment these pathologic ICP elevations may affect neurologic development or crescendo over time leading to neurological decline. The purpose of this study is to investigate the utility of ICP monitoring as a diagnostic tool in this relatively common patient population and identify ventriculomegaly patients with and without pathologic ICP, thus improving accuracy of identifying those with and without surgical needs. METHODS: 36 patients (≤ 17 years old) underwent 41 inpatient ICP recording sessions between 2016 and 2022 and were retrospectively reviewed. This included patients with a history of severe, nonprogressive ventriculomegaly and normal fundoscopic examinations lacking traditional signs and symptoms concerning for elevated ICP. Nighttime pathological plateau waves were defined as sustained elevations of ICP ≥ 2x baseline for a duration of ≥ 5 minutes. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 5.5 years old (range 0-17 years old). 46.3% of patients had prior endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), 14.6% had prior ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS), and 39% were without prior surgical intervention. Roughly half (51.2%) of patients had congenital ventriculomegaly while other patients had ventriculomegaly due to other pathologies such as germinal matrix hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH/IVH) (29.3%), stroke (4.9%), cerebral infections/meningitis (2.4%), or unknown etiology (12.2%). The average procedure time was 19.1 ± 10.5 minutes, and mean length of stay was 2.8 ± 0.7 days. Pathologic ICP was demonstrated in 12 cases (29.3%), 4 (33.3%) of which were asymptomatic. Pathologic ICP was found in 7 of 19 (36.8%) in the prior ETV group, 1 of 6 (16.7%) in prior shunt group, and 4 of 16 (25%) in the non-surgical group (p = 0.649). Among those with pathologic ICP, 6 (50%) cases received an ETV, 5 (41.7%) cases underwent VPS placement, and 1 (8.3%) case underwent a VPS revision. There were no infectious complications or cases of hemorrhage. 4 patients required repositioning of the ICP monitor due to dislodgement. CONCLUSION: Inpatient ICP monitoring is a safe and effective diagnostic tool for evaluating the presence of pathologic ICP in severe, persistent non-progressive ventriculomegaly. The use of ICP monitoring may aid in identifying patients with pressure-compensated hydrocephalus who demonstrate pathologic ICP where surgical intervention may be warranted, while preventing unnecessary CSF diversion in those without pathology.

Low surgical weight associated with ETV failure in pediatric hydrocephalus patients.

The use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus has higher failure rates in younger patients. Here we investigate the impact of select perioperative variables, specifically gestational age, chronological age, birth weight, and surgical weight, on ETV failure rates. A retrospective review was performed on patients treated with ETV - with or without choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) - from 2010 to 2021 at a large academic center. Analyses included Cox regression for independent predictors and Kaplan-Meier survival curves for time to-event outcomes. In total, 47 patients were treated with ETV; of these, 31 received adjunctive CPC. Overall, 66% of the cohort experienced ETV failure with a median failure of 36 days postoperatively. Patients aged < 6 months at time of surgery experienced 80% failure rate, and those > 6 months at time of surgery experienced a 41% failure rate. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed weight at the time of ETV surgery was significantly inversely associated with ETV failure with a hazard ratio of 0.92 (95% CI 0.82, 0.99). Multivariate analysis redemonstrated the inverse association of weight at time of surgery with ETV failure with hazard ratio of 0.76 (95% CI 0.60, 0.92), and sensitivity analysis showed < 4.9 kg as the optimal cutoff predicting ETV/CPC failure. Neither chronologic age nor gestational age were found to be significantly associated with ETV failure.In this study, younger patients experienced higher ETV failure rates, but multivariate regression found that weight was a more robust predictor of ETV failure than chronologic age or gestational age, with an optimal cutoff of 4.9 kg in our small cohort. Given the limited sample size, further study is needed to elucidate the independent role of weight as a peri-operative variable in determining ETV candidacy in young infants. Previous presentations: Poster Presentation, Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

[Microsurgical ventriculostomy of the third ventricle with access through a burrhole in the treatment of midly located deep-seated brain tumors]. / Mikrokhirurgicheskaya ventrikulostomiya III zheludochka s dostupom cherez frezevoe otverstie v lechenii sredinno raspolozhennykh glubinnykh opukholei golovnogo mozga.

BACKGROUND: Currently, endoscopic third ventriculostomy and simultaneous biopsy of deep midline brain tumors are a generally accepted option in neurooncology. Nevertheless, effectiveness of this surgery and diagnostic accuracy of biopsy are not without drawbacks. An alternative to endoscopic surgery may be simultaneous microsurgical third ventriculostomy and biopsy of deep midline tumors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effectiveness and safety of burr hole microsurgical third ventriculostomy in the treatment of deep midline brain tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used transcortical (25 cases) and transcallosal (8 cases) approaches for microsurgical third ventriculostomy. RESULTS: Initially scheduled biopsy was performed in 19 cases, partial resection in 6 cases, subtotal resection in 4 cases and total resection in 4 cases. All patients underwent microsurgical third ventriculostomy. In 12 cases, stenting of stoma was performed in addition to ventriculostomy. Biopsy was informative in all cases. Postoperative follow-up period ranged from 3 to 44 months (mean 29 months). There was no postoperative hydrocephalus and need for shunting procedure. CONCLUSION: Burr hole microsurgery may be an alternative to endoscopic surgery for the treatment of pineal, periaqueductal and third ventricular tumors.

The prepontine block and its relevance for the development and treatment of hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: Pulsatile CSF flow patterns include flow through the ventricles to the subarachnoid space and cisterns and from the infra- to the supratentorial subarachnoid space. In this study, we demonstrate how an obstruction at the level of the prepontine space may lead to obstructive hydrocephalus with specific radiological characteristics, as well as the implications for treatment options. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent surgery between February 2010 and December 2022 for hydrocephalus secondary to a suspected prepontine block. One additional patient diagnosed with prepontine block who did not undergo surgery was also included. We excluded patients with a background of previous unrelated neurosurgical procedures or CNS infections. RESULTS: Six children and two adults were included. Three presented with hydrocephalus on imaging, without any other underlying pathology. Five had a suprasellar arachnoid cyst, with its lower border abating the pons and occluding the spinal subarachnoid space (SAS). All cases had an open aqueduct on T2 sagittal sequences, as well as an infracerebellar or retrocerebellar CSF collection. In most cases, a horizontal web was identified in the prepontine region. Seven cases were treated with an endoscopic fenestration. One patient subsequently underwent a shunt surgery. All the operated children reached normal developmental milestones after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This paper describes a rather small series of cases where clear obstruction was observed at the level of the prepontine subarachnoid space. We believe this anatomical subtlety adds to a better understanding of CSF pathways and the role of ETV in treating hydrocephalus, focusing on a small subgroup of patients without a clear obstruction.

Stereotactic anatomy of the third ventricle.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a surgical procedure that can lead to complications and requires detailed preoperative planning. This study aimed to provide a more accurate understanding of the anatomy of the third ventricle and the location of important structures to improve the safety and success of ETV. METHODS: We measured the stereotactic coordinates of six points of interest relative to a predefined stereotactic reference point in 23 cadaver brain hemi-sections, 200 normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and 24 hydrocephalic brain MRI scans. The measurements were statistically analyzed, and comparisons were made. RESULTS: We found some statistically significant differences between genders in MRIs from healthy subjects. We also found statistically significant differences between MRIs from healthy subjects and both cadaver brains and MRIs with hydrocephalus, though their magnitude is very small and not clinically relevant. Some stereotactic points were more posteriorly and inferiorly located in cadaver brains, particularly the infundibular recess and the basilar artery. It was found that all stereotactic points studied were more posteriorly located in brains with hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: The study describes periventricular structures in cadaver brains and MRI scans from healthy and hydrocephalic subjects, which can guide neurosurgeons in planning surgical approaches to the third ventricle. Overall, the study contributes to understanding ETV and provides insights for improving its safety and efficacy. The findings also support that practicing on cadaveric brains can still provide valuable information and is valid for study and training of neurosurgeons unfamiliar with the ETV technique.

Navigated bedside implantation of external ventricular drains with mobile health guidance: technical note and case series.

PURPOSE: External ventricular drain (EVD) implantation is one of the fundamental procedures of emergency neurosurgery usually performed freehand at bedside or in the operating room using anatomical landmarks. However, this technique is frequently associated with malpositioning leading to complications or dysfunction. Here, we describe a novel navigated bedside EVD insertion technique, which is evaluated in a clinical case series with the aim of safety, accuracy, and efficiency in neurosurgical emergency settings. METHODS: From 2021 to 2022, a mobile health-assisted navigation instrument (Thomale Guide, Christoph Miethke, Potsdam, Germany) was used alongside a battery-powered single-use drill (Phasor Health, Houston, USA) for bedside EVD placement in representative neurosurgical pathologies in emergency situations requiring ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) relief and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. RESULTS: In all 12 patients (8 female and 4 male), navigated bedside EVDs were placed around the foramen of Monro at the first ventriculostomy attempt. The most frequent indication was aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mean operating time was 25.8 ± 15.0 min. None of the EVDs had to be revised due to malpositioning or dysfunction. Two EVDs were converted into a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Drainage volume was 41.3 ± 37.1 ml per day in mean. Mean length of stay of an EVD was 6.25 ± 2.8 days. Complications included one postoperative subdural hematoma and cerebrospinal fluid infection, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combining a mobile health-assisted navigation instrument with a battery-powered drill and an appropriate ventricular catheter may enable and enhance safety, accuracy, and efficiency in bedside EVD implantation in various pathologies of emergency neurosurgery without adding relevant efforts.

A re-evaluation of the Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score: a Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network study.

OBJECTIVE: The Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) conducted a prospective study 1) to determine if a new, better-performing version of the Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score (ETVSS) could be developed, 2) to explore the performance characteristics of the original ETVSS in a modern endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) cohort, and 3) to determine if the addition of radiological variables to the ETVSS improved its predictive abilities. METHODS: From April 2008 to August 2019, children (corrected age ≤ 17.5 years) who underwent a first-time ETV for hydrocephalus were included in a prospective multicenter HCRN study. All children had at least 6 months of clinical follow-up and were followed since the index ETV in the HCRN Core Data Registry. Children who underwent choroid plexus cauterization were excluded. Outcome (ETV success) was defined as the lack of ETV failure within 6 months of the index procedure. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to evaluate time-dependent variables. Multivariable binary logistic models were built to evaluate predictors of ETV success. Model performance was evaluated with Hosmer-Lemeshow and Harrell's C statistics. RESULTS: Seven hundred sixty-one children underwent a first-time ETV. The rate of 6-month ETV success was 76%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow and Harrell's C statistics of the logistic model containing more granular age and etiology categorizations did not differ significantly from a model containing the ETVSS categories. In children ≥ 12 months of age with ETVSSs of 50 or 60, the original ETVSS underestimated success, but this analysis was limited by a small sample size. Fronto-occipital horn ratio (p = 0.37), maximum width of the third ventricle (p = 0.39), and downward concavity of the floor of the third ventricle (p = 0.63) did not predict ETV success. A possible association between the degree of prepontine adhesions on preoperative MRI and ETV success was detected, but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: This modern, multicenter study of ETV success shows that the original ETVSS continues to demonstrate good predictive ability, which was not substantially improved with a new success score. There might be an association between preoperative prepontine adhesions and ETV success, and this needs to be evaluated in a future large prospective study.

Combined Predictive Model for Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success in Adults and Children.

BACKGROUND: The selection of patients in whom endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) can be effective remains poorly defined. The ETV success score (ETVSS) and the presence of bowing of the third ventricle have been identified as independent factors for predicting success, each with limitations. The objective of this study is to elaborate a combined predictive model to predict ETV success in a mixed cohort of patients. METHODS: Demographic, intraoperative, postoperative, and radiologic variables were analyzed in all ventriculostomies performed consecutively at a single institution from December 2004 to December 2022. Qualitative and quantitative measurements of preoperative, immediate, and late postoperative magnetic resonance imaging were conducted. Univariate analysis and logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: 118 ETVs were performed in the selected period. Of these procedures, 106 met the inclusion criteria. The overall success rate was 71.7%, with a median follow-up of 3.64 years (interquartile range, 1.06-5.62). The median age was 36.1 years (interquartile range, 11.7-53.5). 35.84% were children (median, 7.81 years). Among the 80 patients with third ventricle bowing, the success rate was 88.8% (P < 0.001). Larger third ventricle dimensions on preoperative mid-sagittal magnetic resonance imaging were associated with increased ETV success. The model with the best receiver operating characteristic curves, with an area under the curve of 0.918 (95% confidence interval, 0.856-0.979) includes sex, ETVSS, presence of complications, and third ventricle bowing. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of bowing of the third ventricle is strongly associated with a higher ETV success rate. However, a combined predictive model that integrates it with the ETVSS is the most appropriate approach for selecting patients for ETV.

Lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas in pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas are a well-defined subtype of tumours both clinically and pathologically, with a poor prognosis. Their incidence is low and surgical management is challenging. The objective of the present work is to review our series of lateral-tye posterior fossa ependymomas and compare our results with those of previous series. METHODS: Among 30 cases of ependymoma operated in our paediatric department in the last ten years, we identified seven cases of lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas. We then performed a retrospective, descriptive study. RESULTS: Mean age of our patients was 3.75 years. 6 cases presented with hydrocephalus. Mean tumour volume at diagnosis was 61 cc. A complete resection was achieved in six cases and a near-total resection in one patient. 5 patients transiently required a gastrostomy and a tracheostomy. Mean follow-up was 58 months. One case progressed along this period and eventually died. 4 cases of hydrocephalus required a ventriculoperitoneal CSF shunt and two were managed with a third ventriculostomy. At last follow-up 4 patients carried a normal life and two displayed a mild restriction according to Lansky´s scale. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of surgical treatment in lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas is complete resection. Neurological deficits associated to lower cranial nerve dysfunction are common but transient. Deeper genetic characterization of these tumours may identify risk factors that guide stratification of adjuvant therapies.

IMAGINER: improving accuracy with a mixed reality navigation system during placement of external ventricular drains. A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: The placement of a ventricular catheter, that is, an external ventricular drain (EVD), is a common and essential neurosurgical procedure. In addition, it is one of the first procedures performed by inexperienced neurosurgeons. With or without surgical experience, the placement of an EVD according to anatomical landmarks only can be difficult, with the potential risk for inaccurate catheter placement. Repeated corrections can lead to avoidable complications. The use of mixed reality could be a helpful guide and improve the accuracy of drain placement, especially in patients with acute pathology leading to the displacement of anatomical structures. Using a human cadaveric model in this feasibility study, the authors aimed to evaluate the accuracy of EVD placement by comparing two techniques: mixed reality and freehand placement. METHODS: Twenty medical students performed the EVD placement procedure with a Cushing's ventricular cannula on the right and left sides of the ventricular system. The cannula was placed according to landmarks on one side and with the assistance of mixed reality (Microsoft HoloLens 2) on the other side. With mixed reality, a planned trajectory was displayed in the field of view that guides the placement of the cannula. Subsequently, the actual position of the cannula was assessed with the help of a CT scan with a 1-mm slice thickness. The bony structure as well as the left and right cannula positions were registered to the CT scan with the planned target point before the placement procedure. CloudCompare software was applied for registration and evaluation of accuracy. RESULTS: EVD placement using mixed reality was easily performed by all medical students. The predefined target point (inside the lateral ventricle) was reached with both techniques. However, the scattering radius of the target point reached through the use of mixed reality (12 mm) was reduced by more than 54% compared with the puncture without mixed reality (26 mm), which represents a doubling of the puncture accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study specifically showed that the integration and use of mixed reality helps to achieve more than double the accuracy in the placement of ventricular catheters. Because of the easy availability of these new tools and their intuitive handling, we see great potential for mixed reality to improve accuracy.

Tectal Plate Glioma: A Clinical and Radiologic Analysis of Progression and Management in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Tectal plate gliomas (TPGs) are a heterogeneous group of uncommon brain tumors. TPGs are considered indolent and are usually managed conservatively but they have the potential to transform into higher-grade tumors. The aims of this study were to investigate the natural history of adult TPG, treatment outcomes, and overall survival. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of adult patients with TPG between 1993 and 2021. Baseline clinical, radiologic, and management characteristics were collected. The primary outcome was tumor progression, defined as increasing size on radiologic assessment or new gadolinium contrast enhancement. Secondary outcomes included management and mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included, of whom 23 (52.2%) were men. Median age at diagnosis was 35 years (interquartile range, 27-53). Radiologic tumor progression was observed in 8 patients (20.5%). The 10-year progression-free survival was 72.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.91). The 10-year overall survival was 86.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.0). Cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures were used in 62% of the cohort (n = 24). Seventeen patients (43.6%) underwent at least 1 endoscopic third ventriculostomy, whereas only 6 patients (15.4%) underwent at least 1 ventriculoperitoneal shunt. CONCLUSIONS: TPG has an overall favorable clinical prognosis, although progression occurs in 1 in 5 patients. Showing accurate factors by which patients with TPG may be risk stratified should be a key area of further research. A follow-up duration of 10 years would be a reasonable window based on the radiologic progression rates in this study; however, larger cohort studies are needed to answer both questions definitively.

Evaluation of surgical treatment strategies and outcome for cerebral arachnoid cysts in children and adults.

OBJECTIVE: The best treatment strategies for cerebral arachnoid cysts (CAC) are still up for debate. In this study, we present CAC management, outcome data, and risk factors for recurrence after surgical treatment, focusing on microscopic/endoscopic approaches as compared to minimally invasive stereotactic procedures in children and adults. METHODS: In our single-institution retrospective database, we identified all patients treated surgically for newly diagnosed CAC between 2000 and 2022. Microscopic/endoscopic surgery (ME) aimed for safe cyst wall fenestration. Stereotactic implantation of an internal shunt catheter (STX) to drain CAC into the ventricles and/or cisterns was used as an alternative procedure in patients aged ≥ 3 years. Treatment decisions in favor of ME vs. STX were made by interdisciplinary consensus. The primary study endpoint was time to CAC recurrence (TTR). Secondary endpoints were outcome metrics including clinical symptoms and MR-morphological analyses. Data analysis included subdivision of the total cohort into three distinct age groups (AG1, < 6 years; AG2, 6-18 years; AG3, ≥ 18 years). RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (median age 26.5 years, range 0-82 years) were analyzed. AG1 included 15, AG2 10, and AG3 37 patients, respectively. The main presenting symptoms were headache and vertigo. In AG1 hygromas, an increase in head circumference and thinning of cranial calvaria were most frequent. Thirty-five patients underwent ME and 27 STX, respectively; frequency did not differ between AGs. There were two (22.2%) periprocedural venous complications in infants (4- and 10-month-old) during an attempt at prepontine fenestration of a complex CAC, one with fatal outcome in a 10-month-old boy. Other complications included postoperative bleeding (2, 22.2%), CSF leaks (4, 44.4%), and meningitis (1, 11.1%). Overall, clinical improvement and significant volume reduction (p = 0.008) were seen in all other patients; this did not differ between AGs. Median follow-up for all patients was 25.4 months (range, 3.1-87.1 months). Recurrent cysts were seen in 16.1%, independent of surgical procedure used (p = 0.7). In cases of recurrence, TTR was 7.9 ± 12.7 months. Preoperative ventricular expansion (p = 0.03), paresis (p = 0.008), and age under 6 years (p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for CAC recurrence in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients suffering from CAC, both ME and STX can improve clinical symptoms at low procedural risk, with equal extent of CAC volume reduction. However, in infants and young children, CAC are more often associated with severe clinical symptoms, stereotactic procedures have limited use, and microsurgery in the posterior fossa may bear the risk of severe venous bleeding.

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in HIV-infected children treated for tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in children diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) hydrocephalus and HIV co-infection undergoing cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures and their complications. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively between 2007 and 2022. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, biochemistry results, CD4 count, radiology findings, CSF diversion procedures (and complications), length of hospital stay (LOHS), and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-one children were included, with a mean age of 6.7 ± 5.3 years and 67.7% males. Median admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 11 (IQR 9-15). Hypertonia (64.5%) and seizures (51.6%) were frequently observed clinical characteristics. Sixty-one percent of children were on ART. Cerebral infarcts and extra-meningeal TB were diagnosed in 64.5% and 19.3% of cases, respectively. The median CD4 count was 151 (IQR 70-732) cells/µL. Surgical procedures included ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in 26 cases and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in five children. VPS complication rate was 27%. No complications were reported for ETV. Median LOHS was 7 days (IQR 4-21). Eleven children (35.5%) died during admission. Factors associated with mortality included GCS (p = 0.032), infarcts (p = 0.004), extra-meningeal TB (p = 0.003), VPS infection (p = 0.018), low CD4 count (p = 0.009), and hyponatremia (p = 0.002). No statistically significant factors were associated with VPS complications. CONCLUSION: TBM hydrocephalus in HIV-infected children carries a high mortality. Clinicians in high-prevalence settings should have a high suspicion index and institute early treatment.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) for paediatric hydrocephalus due to primary aqueductal stenosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in children with symptomatic triventricular hydrocephalus due to primary aqueductal stenosis. METHOD: This is a retrospective analytical study. Patients who underwent either ETV or VPS as the first procedure for hydrocephalus due to primary aqueductal stenosis were included in the study. RESULT: A total of 89 children were included in the study for analysis. The mean age was 8.4 years. Forty-four (49.4%) had their first surgery as ETV and 45 (50.6%) had their first surgery as VPS. Overall, 34 (38.2%) patients required a second surgery (either ETV or VPS) for persistent or recurrent hydrocephalus. The mean follow-up duration was 832.9 days. The overall complication rate was 13.5%. The mean timing of the second surgery after index surgery was 601.35 days. Factors associated with a second surgery were the presence of complications, high protein in cerebrospinal fluid, the relative change of frontal-occipital horn ratio (FOHR) and Evans' index. The survival of the first surgery was superior in ETV (751.55 days) compared to VPS (454.49 days), p = 0.013. The relative change of fronto-occipital horn index ratio (FOIR) was high in the VPS (mean 7.28%) group compared to the ETV (mean 4.40%), p = 0.001 group. CONCLUSION: Overall procedural survival was better after ETV than VPS for hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis. VPS causes more reduction in linear indices of ventricles as compared to ETV, however, is not associated with the success or complication of the procedure.

Treatment of Pineal Region Lesions in Children.

BACKGROUND: Pineal region lesions are more common in children than adults; however, therapeutic strategies for pineal region lesions in children are controversial. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 54 pediatric with pineal region lesions was conducted. The therapeutic strategies for lesions and hydrocephalus were classified and analyzed. RESULTS: Radiotherapy of pineal region lesions was shown to result in better postoperative recovery and fewer complications in the short-term compared with lesion resection. Total resection was related to smaller lesion size, endoscopic procedures, and a better prognosis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion before the resection reduced hydrocephalus recurrences, whereas further lesion resection had a negative short-term influence on CSF diversion. Among the 4 therapeutic strategies to manage hydrocephalus, a third ventriculostomy (ETV) was reasonable and further resection did not have a negative impact on the ETV. The relief of hydrocephalus was also related to better postoperative recovery, a higher total resection rate, fewer complications, and a better prognosis. Logistical regression analysis indicated that lesion size and intracranial complications were predictors of outcome. CONCLUSIONS: For lesion treatment, total resection and radiotherapy are essential components in children. Total resection and CSF diversion before resection were beneficial, whereas further lesion resection had a negative impact on CSF diversion. For hydrocephalus treatment, ETV was shown to be the best therapeutic strategy for management of pediatric hydrocephalus. Total resection and better preoperative health status were associated with greater hydrocephalus relief. For the overall prognosis, a lack of hydrocephalus relief was associated with poor outcomes. Lesion size and intracranial complications may be the best predictors of outcome.

Dorsum Sellae as Key Landmark in ETV With Disminished Prepontine Cistern: Technical Note and Case Series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the key aspects in the surgical technique of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the perforation of the floor of the third ventricle because of the high risk of injuring vital structures located in that region. According to the standard technique, this perforation should be performed in the midline halfway between mammillary bodies and the infundibular recess to avoid damage to the structures. This can be performed without excessive complications when the diameter of the prepontine cistern is wide. However, in situations where the diameter is reduced (defined in the literature as having a prepontine interval [PPI] ≤1 mm), the probability of complications increases exponentially.In this article, we propose using dorsum sellae as a key point to safely perform ETV in patients with a decreased PPI, guiding the trajectory and its marking using neuronavigation. METHODS: A review was conducted on the latest 100 ETV procedures performed by our team in the past 5 years. The measurement of the PPI was conducted using archived preoperative MRI imaging studies, specifically between the dorsum sellae and the basilar artery. In cases where the PPI was ≤1 mm and, therefore, the use of the dorsum sellae was applied as a reference point, the technical results and procedural functions were documented. RESULTS: In the cohort, 7 patients with a PPI ≤1 mm were identified. In all 7 cases, fenestration of the tuber cinereum was successfully performed without causing vascular damage or associated complications. ETV was successful in 6 patients, with only one experiencing ETV failure necessitating the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. CONCLUSION: The utilization of the dorsum sellae as a reference point to perform ETV in reduced PPI constitutes a safe alternative to the classical technique.

Surgical treatment of interhemispheric arachnoid cysts.

OBJECTIVE: In children, interhemispheric arachnoid cysts (IHACs) are rare lesions often associated with corpus callosum dysgenesis. It is still controversial about surgical treatments for IHACs. We aim to report our experience with pediatric IHAC patients and evaluate surgical courses and neurological developments. METHODS: Pediatric IHACs treated between 2001 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. IHAC was observed until they represented rapid cyst enlargement or neurological symptoms. Cyst fenestration was done by microscope or endoscope, depending on the IHAC's location. Cyst size and corpus callosum dysgenesis were evaluated with neuroimaging. Neurological development was assessed from medical records at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen children received cyst fenestration surgery (mean age 11.4 months). Eleven patients (73.3%) under observation showed rapid cyst enlargement in a short period (median 5 months). Cysto-ventriculostomy (CVS) and cysto-cisternostomy (CCS) regressed the cyst size significantly (p = 0.003). The median follow-up duration was 51 months (range 14-178 months). Corpus callosum dysgenesis was observed in eleven patients (73.3%, complete = 5, partial = 6). Among eight patients (53.3%) having developmental delay, five patients (33.3%) showed speech delay, including one patient with intractable seizures. CONCLUSION: Pediatric IHACs frequently present within 1 year after birth, with rapid cyst enlargement. CVS and CCS were effective in regressing the cyst size. Corpus callosum dysgenesis accompanied by IHAC might have a risk of language achievement; however, development delay could rely on multifactorial features, such as epilepsy or other brain anomalies.

Preventing Ventricular Catheter Displacement and Infection with the "Catheter-Locking Device-Assisted" Technique: A Retrospective Study of 231 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Inserting cerebrospinal fluid diversion devices such as external ventricular drains (EVDs) and ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) is a critical procedure. Unfortunately, complications such as catheter misplacement, dislocation, or infection can occur. Various surgical strategies aim to reduce these risks. One recent innovation is the "catheter-locking device-assisted" technique for EVD surgery. In this study, we examined its application in a larger group of cases encompassing both EVDs and VPSs over a 30-month period, with a focus on these complications. METHODS: All adult patients who underwent a shunt procedure for noninfectious hydrocephalus at our institution from January 2021 to June 2023 were reviewed. We compared complications between those treated with the "standard" technique (subgroup A) and those managed with the "catheter-locking device-assisted" approach (subgroup B). RESULTS: In the EVD surgical group (initial procedures, n = 161), 6 patients (3.7%) required reoperation owing to the catheter misplacement caused by inadvertent migration of the ventricular catheter within the operating room ("early" migration), while 11 patients (6.8%) experienced unintentional postoperative dislodgement ("delayed" migration). Seven patients (4.3%) developed an EVD-related infection after an average duration of 7.4 days. None of these complications were observed in subgroup B patients (P < 0.05). Among VPS patients (n = 137), 4 (2.9%), all in subgroup A, required reoperation due to intraoperative migration of the catheter (P = 0.121); no other complications were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The "catheter-locking device-assisted" technique may significantly decrease the occurrence of the most common EVD complications and can also prove beneficial in VPS surgery. However, further investigation is necessary.

Outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in the treatment of paediatric hydrocephalus: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in the treatment of paediatric hydrocephalus. METHODS: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for articles published from 2000 to May 2023 (last search date May 6, 2023). Keywords searched included "endoscopic third ventriculostomy", "ventriculoperitoneal shunting", "paediatric population", and "outcomes". Using random-effects models, we compared success rates and complications of ETV and VPS. The primary outcome was ETV vs.VPS success rates, and the secondary outcome was post-treatment complications. Included studies reported on treatment success and complication rates. RESULTS: Out of 126 articles, 8 RCTs and 1 prospective study were included. Six studies reported primary outcome data (806 patients identified: 464 in ETV group, 342 in VPS group). Combined success rates were 81.8% (n = 283/346) for ETV and 86.7% (n = 182/210) for VPS (median follow-up 41 months). There was no difference in success rates between ETV and VPS groups (risk ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.80-0.90, I2 = 0%, p = 0.93). Combined complication rates were 4.6% (n = 16/346) in the ETV group and 27.1% (n = 57/210) in the VPS group. ETV had a lower rate of postoperative complications (risk ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.42-1.38, I2 = 53%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Both ETV and VPS are viable surgical options for the management of paediatric hydrocephalus with similar success rates when used as first-line treatment. However, our study concluded that VPS results in a higher complication rate. REGISTRATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis was formally registered in the PROSPERO International database under the registration number CRD42023452907 on the 29th of August 2023.