Emergency Resection of a Large Third Ventricle Colloid Cyst: Ipsilateral vs. Contralateral Interhemispheric Approach Based on the Hydrocephalus Status.

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are rare, benign intracranial tumors that can cause significant neurological symptoms and complications, particularly when they lead to obstructive hydrocephalus. The aim of this study is to present a case of a large third ventricle colloid cyst causing acute hydrocephalus and fainting attacks, necessitating emergency surgery. This is a case of a 46-year-old female presenting with headaches and recurrent fainting attacks. Cardiac evaluations were normal. Brain MRI revealed a 3x3 cm cystic lesion in the anterior superior portion of the third ventricle, causing moderate hydrocephalus with a transependymal edema. Due to acute hydrocephalus and fainting attacks attributed to arrhythmias from hypothalamic compression, emergency surgical resection was performed. A contralateral interhemispheric transcallosal approach with a right frontal craniotomy was used to achieve gross total resection. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and a follow-up MRI showed an empty tumor bed and resolved hydrocephalus. In conclusion, prompt diagnosis and emergency surgical intervention are crucial in cases of acute hydrocephalus caused by third ventricle colloid cysts. The successful outcome of this emergency resection demonstrates the effectiveness of timely surgical management in preventing severe complications.

Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injuries: Experience from the Deadliest Double Suicide Bombing Attack in Iraq.

INTRODUCTION: Blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (bTBIs) are increasingly frequent in civilian settings. We present the first study of individuals with bTBI in Iraq. The study focuses on one of the deadliest suicide car bomb attacks in Iraq and uses it to show the devastating nature of bTBIs. METHODS: This study was conducted at the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. A retrospective chart analysis of patients with bTBI admitted to the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital was performed. Measured parameters included patients' demographics, initial presentation, injury patterns, hospital course, surgical management, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients with bTBI were included in this study, 19 of whom died in the emergency room. The remaining 56 patients were admitted to the hospital. Of those patients, 68.6% (n = 39) underwent surgery, and 30.4% were managed conservatively. A modified, tailored triaging system was implemented. All surgery was guided by the principles of damage control neurosurgery. In addition, 76.9% and 46.2% of patients underwent corticectomy and decompressive craniectomy, respectively. Dural venous sinus repair was performed in 17.9% of patients, and 30.7% of the operations entailed additional steps to control major (arterial) cerebrovascular bleeding. The net bTBI-related complication rate was 76%. The total mortality was 48%. Of survivors, 10.7% (n = 8) were discharged with a severe disability. Overall, good outcomes were achieved in 41.3% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study sheds light on the devastating nature of bTBIs. Neurosurgeons worldwide need to be mindful of the unique triaging, diagnostic, and management requirements of these injuries.