[Intramedullary spinal cord tumors and hydrocephalus: an analysis of the results of surgical treatment in 541 patients]. / Intramedulliarnye opukholi spinnogo mozga i gidrotsefaliia: analiz rezul'tatov khirurgicheskogo lecheniia 541 bol'nogo.

The article addresses the problem of intramedullary tumors (IMTs) combined with hydrocephalus (HC). PURPOSE: The study purpose was to explore, based on large clinical material, the occurrence of hydrocephalus combined with intramedullary tumors, possible pathogenetic mechanisms of its development, effect of tumor resection on the course of hydrocephalus, and need and timing of shunting surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present and analyze the data of the largest individual series of patients of all age groups operated on for IMTs of the spinal cord: 541 patients; 586 operations; age from 2 months to 72 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm a potential pathogenetic relationship between IMT and HC. The overall occurrence rate of HC in IMT patients was 6.3%. In patients with benign tumors (WHO Grade 1-2; 449 patients), HC developed in 25 (5.6%) cases; in patients with malignant tumors (WHO Grade 3-4; 84 patients), HC developed in 7 (8.3%) cases. A statistically significant prevalence of cervico-medullary tumors was found in HC patients: 19 (59.4%) cases. According to our data, dissemination of the tumor process is a potential factor of HC development.

[Intramedullary spinal cord tumors and neurofibromatosis]. / Intramedullyarnye opukholi spinnogo mozga i neirofibromatoz.

The article addresses the issue of a combination and relationship between intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) and neurofibromatosis (NF). AIM: To study, based on large clinical material, features of the prevalence and biological nature of intramedullary spinal cord tumors in neurofibromatosis patients in different age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the data of the largest series of patients from all age groups who underwent surgery for spinal cord intramedullary tumors (541 patients; 586 surgeries; age, 2 months to 72 years). RESULTS: Our findings support a potential pathogenetic relationship between intramedullary tumors and neurofibromatosis. Astrocytoma was a predominant intramedullary tumor in patients with NF-1, while ependymoma predominated in patients with NF-2. IMSCTs combined with NF-1 occur predominantly in children and adolescents, while a combination with NF-2 is typical of young adults. Our findings confirm the fact that IMSCT surgery is required for a small number of NF patients.

[Application of resorbable plates for fixation of a laminotomy flap]. / Ispol'zovanie rezorbiruemykh plastin dlya fiksatsii laminotomirovannogo loskuta.

The paper describes a new technology - application of resorbable plates and pins for securing a laminotomy flap in children's neurosurgery. Four patients were operated on at our clinic. We describe in detail a surgical technique and compare it with a traditional fixation technique using ligatures.

[Comparative epidemiology of adult and pediatric intramedullary spinal cord tumors].

UNLABELLED: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are a rare pathology. They can be found at any age. Our experience with more than 507 surgeries for IMSCTs revealed some differences between pediatric and adult IMSCTs. AIM: We used a large surgical series to conduct comparative analysis of the main epidemiological characteristics of intramedullary tumors in children and adults and to identify possible differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospectively collected data from 224 pediatric and 242 adult patients operated by one surgeon (YK) for last 12 years were analyzed. RESULTS: Pediatric IMSCTs are more extensive and children undergo treatment in worse clinical condition than adults. There are age-related differences in the tumor localization. The astrocytoma/ependymoma ratio was 83/17 in children and 21/79 in adults. CONCLUSION: We confirmed differences in IMSCTs in different age groups. Late diagnosis is a problem in the pediatric subgroup of IMSCT patients.