Glossopharyngeal schwannoma, an uncommon posterior fossa tumor: diagnostical and therapeutical aspects: a case report.

Among posterior fossa tumors, schwannomas arising from glossopharyngeal nerve are rare; only about 30 cases of glossopharyngeal neuroma have been described. Though a typical 'jugular foramen syndrome' has been described for tumors of this region, the clinical onset may often closely resemble that of acoustic neuromas thus misleading the diagnosis. Because of its different surgical implications, such a rare condition must be clearly recognised preoperatively. A new case is hereby reported with particular focus on clinical and surgical management.

Inter-hemispheric scissure, a rare location for a traumatic subdural hematoma, case report and review of the literature.

Subdural interhemispheric hematomas (ISH), though not really rare, are quite an uncommon complication of head traumas. This condition is more frequent in childhood, where it is generally considered as a part of a more complex syndrome, called 'Shaken Children Syndrome', usually pointing out child abuse. Although a head injury is very often considered the cause (in about 80-90% of the cases), possible predisposing factors such as coagulopathies, alcohol abuse or anticoagulant therapy can also be considered. Furthermore, as the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm has also occasionally pinpointed as a possible cause, this event should be kept in mind in order to be able to address exactly both the diagnostic and therapeutical procedures. A new conservatively managed case is thereby described. A review of the literature with particular attention drawn to the diagnosis and the different therapeutical possibilities is also elaborated.

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia associated with glioblastoma. A case report.

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) involves the Central Nervous System in about 10% of the affected patients, but only occasionally related clinical and histopathological changes have been considered. Most of the published papers focus on leptomeningeal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, even though the damage to the CNS results in a more variegated scenario. Association to a malignant neoplasm, usually of lymphoid series, is not uncommon, instead association with a glioblastoma is rare, and only 3 cases have been reported. Despite the rarity of this finding, the association Waldenström Macroglobulinemia-glioblastoma may not be coincidental. Probable etiopathological links are thereby discussed.

Percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizolysis for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Technique and results in 191 patients.

Percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizolysis (PRGR) became a diffuse and valuable method for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, following its introduction by Hakanson in 1981. Its main advantages are: a) mild postoperative facial sensory loss, b) simplification of the technique, c) reduction of costs. Our results in a series of 191 patients treated between September 1983 and September 1990 are reported. The procedure was performed according to Hakanson's method with minor modifications. In 11 cases (5.7%) we failed to pierce the foramen ovale; the procedure was successfully repeated a week or two later. In 17 cases it was impossible to obtain CSF from the needle. Complete relief of pain was achieved in 177 patients (92.7%), in 124 (64.9%) immediately, in 53 (27.8%) within 6 days; the operation was unsuccessful in 14 (7.3%). Postoperative sensory evaluation showed: no sensory loss in 33 cases (17.3%); hypalgesia in 8 (4.2%); mild hypesthesia in 88 cases (46.1%), confined to the affected divisions in 45 (23.6%), exceeding it in 43 (22.5%); moderate hypesthesia in 62 cases (32.4%), restricted to the target divisions in 36 (18.8%), exceeding them in 26 (13.6%). No case of anesthesia occurred. Complications of PRGR were: circum-oral ipsilateral herpetic eruption (herpes simplex type), spontaneously and completely regressing: 63 cases (33%); minor dysesthesia, seldom reported as painful: 33 cases (17.3%); impairment of corneal reflex: 19 cases (9.9%), the first branch being the target of the treatment in 11; regressive masticatory weakness; 11 patients (5.7%); aseptic meningitis, promptly regressed: 2 cases (1.0%). Follow-up ranges from 1 to 7 years (Sept. 1983-Sept. 1990). A recurrence was observed in 44 cases (23%): in 15 patients (7.8%) a partial relapse occurred, well controlled by drug therapy and not requiring further surgical treatment; in 29 cases (15.2%) a new percutaneous procedure was required. The mean time of recurrence was 30.5 months. The recurrence rate in the patients of our series at the end of the follow-up period was 23%. Glycerol produces a weak neurolytic lesion, that generates minor post-operative facial deafferentation; it is the best technique, in our opinion, for treatment of tic douloreux.