ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Obtaining a definitive pathological diagnosis from brain tissue sampling was challenging due to the small, non-representative sample. This study introduced a novel syringe technique for brain biopsy aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy by obtaining core tissue samples that better represent the targeted tissue. METHODS: The ten patients with atypical brain lesions underwent the syringe biopsy. After meticulous preoperative planning with neuronavigation, a minimally invasive approach was used: a 3 cm skin incision and a 14 mm burr hole were created. A modified 3-cc syringe was used to create negative pressure and cannulate the brain tissue. The desired sample size (24 cm³) was obtained by controlling the syringe depth and withdrawal. Medical records were reviewed to assess sample analysis results and any complications RESULTS: The syringe technique successfully yielded adequate tissue samples in 9 out of 10 patients. In one case, the desired tissue could not be retrieved and required a microsurgical approach for removal. In all ten cases, a correct diagnosis was made without significant complications. CONCLUSION: The preliminary findings suggest that the syringe technique is both safe and effective for obtaining substantial volumes of brain tissue, facilitating accurate pathological evaluation in cases of complex neurological disorders.
ABSTRACT
Cavernous malformations (CM) are rare intracerebral vascular lesions occurring in the brain, or less commonly in the spine, with an annual bleeding risk of up to 1.1%. These lesions can be occult or present to signs and symptoms based on location or, more frequently, are a result of hemorrhagic events. The most challenging aspect of managing these cases is weighing the risks and benefits of surgical treatment and intervening before the onset of a devastating hemorrhagic event. Here, we present the second case of CM haemorrhage following the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure with a literature review of theories explaining this phenomenon. We present a 37-year-old female who has a known case of brainstem cavernoma and underwent left sub-temporal resection with stable residual since 2011, then was managed conservatively due to patient preference till she had a deterioration in December 2021 manifested as confusion, diplopia, dysarthria, and significant left sided weakness leaving her wheelchair bound. CT showed supratentorial hydrocephalus with extensive periventricular transependymal edema and no clear haemorrhage. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was inserted, with no intraoperative complications. A few hours post-VP shunt insertion, she experienced a worsening in her mental status, hemiparesis, and dysarthria. Subsequent imaging found evidence of acute haemorrhage in the location of the previously noted residual. She was managed by supportive care. Causative factors of CM haemorrhage are poorly understood, and current data only suggest that prior haemorrhage and CM location could increase bleeding risk. Only one case of CM bleeding post-shunt insertion was reported; however, studies on other types of intracranial vascular lesions suggest that alterations in transmural pressure (including cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures) can increase the risk of haemorrhage by changing the hemodynamic flow in these abnormally formed and weak vascular structures.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Different procedures have been developed to improve the surgical outcome of peripheral nerve injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of wrapping the neurorrhaphy site utilizing dura substitute graft as an alternative conduit in the management of peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: This retrospective clinical case series included 42 patients with a single peripheral nerve injury. The mean age was 26.8 ± 11 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 3 ± 1.8 months. The visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and the Medical Research Council's (MRC) grading for motor power were used to evaluate the functional outcome among our patients. All patients were operated on for primary microscopic end-to-end repair, followed by wrapping the neurorrhaphy site with dura substitute graft as a conduit. Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic with regular visits for average of 6 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (83%), showed functional improvement in all aspects, the VAS for pain and the MRC for motor power, as well as the functional state. One patient (2.3%) developed a postoperative hematoma collection, which needed immediate evacuation. Superficial wound infection, reported in two patients (4.7%), was treated conservatively. No postoperative neuroma was observed among our patients during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Wrapping the neurorrhaphy site utilizing dura substitute as conduit appears to be safe and might prove effective in managing peripheral nerve injury.
ABSTRACT
Neuromodulation therapies, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and pump therapies, are currently the standard of care for PD patients with advanced disease and motor complications that are difficult to control with medical management alone. The quest for alternate lesser invasive approaches led to the development of several novel therapies like intrajejunal levodopa infusions (IJLI), continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusions (CSAI) and Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) in recent years. To achieve good outcomes with any of these therapeutic modalities, careful patient selection, multidisciplinary evaluation and technical expertise are equally important. In this review, we will provide an overview of the neuromodulation strategies currently available for PD, emphasizing on patient selection and choosing among the various strategies.