Pediatric shunt failure: finding predictability in the sea of uncertainty.

OBJECTIVE: Shunt malfunction is a complication that can have devastating implications. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the rate of shunt revision in a single institution over 5 years and to determine the factors associated with shunt revision in the pediatric population. METHODS: This retrospective report assimilated data from all patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent shunt surgery between January 2015 and April 2021 at the authors' institute with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up. Patient data regarding demographic characteristics, indications, clinical status, point of entry, operative and CSF findings, revision interval, and cause of failure were collected. RESULTS: Between January 2015 and April 2021, 1112 pediatric patients underwent initial shunt surgery at the authors' institute, among whom 934 patients met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-five patients underwent revision (shunt revision rate 10.2%). The cohort comprised 562 male and 368 female patients (no sex was recorded in 4 cases), with infratentorial tumors (37.8%) being the most common indication for the shunt. Multivariate analyses revealed that younger patient age, right-sided shunt, single surgeon, and shunt placement done in the evening and night were significantly associated with shunt failure. Among all the factors analyzed, female sex had the greatest risk of early shunt failure (OR 2.90 [95% CI 1.09-8.16], p = 0.037). The presence of prior external ventricular drainage was associated with an increased risk of multiple revisions (OR 6.67 [95% CI 1.60-32.52], p = 0.012). The most common cause of failure was obstruction, usually at the cranial end. The most common cause of distal failure was malposition of the abdominal end. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies various factors associated with shunt failure. Various goal-directed strategies toward modifiable risk factors can significantly improve shunt survival.

Systematic scoping review of papilledema in vestibular schwannoma without hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannoma is a common pathology encountered by neurosurgeons worldwide. Often vestibular schwannoma presents with obstructive hydrocephalus. Papilledema is present in 8% of the patients with vestibular schwannoma, primarily due to obstructive hydrocephalus. Hyperproteinorrhachia is believed to be responsible for papilledema in the absence of hydrocephalus in vestibular schwannoma. However, there is a paucity of literature on the mechanism of papilledema in vestibular schwannoma patients with hydrocephalus. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of scientific literature on papilledema in vestibular schwannoma patients without hydrocephalus. METHODS: Design: This was a systematic scoping review and critical appraisal. Literature Search from PubMed was done following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for conducting and reporting scoping reviews. RESULTS: A total of seven studies, including eight patients, were identified for inclusion in the review. The studies were heterogeneous in terms of reporting for various variables. All the included studies were case reports, with the earliest publication in 1954 and the latest publication in 2020. The mean age of the patients in the included studies was 35 years, with a minimum age of 20 years and maximum age of 64 years. Approximately 62.5% were females, and 37.5% were males in the included study. Only three studies have studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins levels in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is paucity in literature and a lack of evidence to conclusively state hyperproteinorrhachia as an antecedent to the development of papilledema in vestibular schwannoma patients without hydrocephalus. Younger age and female gender are risk factors for developing papilledema in the absence of hydrocephalus in vestibular schwannoma patients. Brainstem compression due to the large size of vestibular schwannoma can still have a patent aqueduct of Sylvius and no obstruction to CSF flow. The development of papilledema in vestibular schwannoma is a complex interplay of multiple factors that must be studied comprehensively for complete understanding.

Role of Nimodipine and Milrinone in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The role of nimodipine and milrinone in the management of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was studied using clinical and TCD (transcranial Doppler) parameters. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, patients with DCI after aneurysmal SAH presenting between November 2020 and June 2021 who were treated by either intra-arterial nimodipine (IAN) or intravenous milrinone (IVM) were included after excluding patients in whom both IAN and IVM had been given or mechanical angioplasty was performed. Twelve-hourly TCD was performed during the course of the therapy. Clinical improvement and the development of new brain infarcts were also assessed. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (IVM, 13/34 [38%]; IAN, 21/34 [62%]); patients in the IVM group (vs. IAN group) had poorer median Glasgow Coma Scale score (12 vs. 13), poorer motor response (

First report of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major public health problem worldwide. These patients are at increased risk of developing secondary infections due to a combination of virus- and drug-induced immunosuppression. Recently, several countries have reported an emergence of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM), particularly among patients with uncontrolled diabetes, with India reporting an alarming increase in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in post-COVID cases. Hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are the major underlying risk factors. So far, case reports and review articles have reported CAM only in adult patients. Here, we describe the first cases of COVID-19-associated ROCM in two pediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Both the cases had asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 and developed ROCM during the course of treatment of DKA. None of them had exposure to systemic steroids. Imaging findings in both cases revealed involvement of orbit, paranasal sinuses, and brain with cavernous sinus thrombosis. The patients underwent craniotomy with evacuation of abscess. Microbiological and histopathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of mycormycosis, with fungal culture growing Rhizopus arrhizus. Post-operatively, the patients received liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) and systemic antibiotics. Retrobulbar injection of LAMB was given in an attempt to halt orbital disease progression. However, it wasn't successful and both of them had to undergo orbital exenteration eventually. ROCM is a rapidly progressive disease and prompt diagnosis with aggressive surgery and timely initiation of antifungal therapy can be life-saving. Physicians should have a high index of suspicion, so as to avoid a delayed diagnosis, particularly in post-COVID patients with uncontrolled diabetes.

The Evolution of 3D Anatomical Models: A Brief Historical Overview.

For thousands of years, anatomical models have served as essential tools in medical instruction. While human dissections have been the regular source of information for medical students for the last few centuries, the scarcity of bodies and the religious and social taboos of previous times made the process of acquiring human cadavers a challenge. The dissection process was dependent on the availability of fresh cadavers and thus was met with a major time constraint; with poor preservation techniques, decomposition turned the process of employing bodies for instruction into a race against time. However, the advent of anatomical models has countered this issue by supplying accurate anatomical detail in a physical, three-dimensional form superior to that of the two-dimensional illustrations previously used as the primary adjunct to dissection. Artists worked with physicians and anatomists to prepare these models, creating an interdisciplinary interaction that advanced anatomical instruction at a tremendous rate. These models have taken the form of metal, wood, ivory, wax, papier-mâché, plaster, and plastic and have ultimately evolved into computerized and digital representations currently. We provide a brief historical overview of the evolution of anatomical models from a unique neuroanatomical perspective.

Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure in Case of Chiari 1.5 Malformation: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Type 2 respiratory failure is defined as hypercapnia associated with hypoxia. Chiari 1.5 is known as herniation of the cerebellar tonsils along with brain stem and fourth ventricle. We report a 35-year-old male who presented with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (Type 2), without any preexisting neurological or respiratory abnormality. Analysis of blood gases in emergency revealed a pH of 7.12, pCO2 of 132 mmHg, and arterial oxygen tension of 118 mm Hg. He was intubated and ventilated. Magnetic resonance imaging brain revealed herniation of the cerebellar tonsils along with brain stem and fourth ventricle. The patient underwent surgery and gradually weaned off. He was mobilized and discharged on day 6. Acute respiratory failure has not been reported with Chiari 1.5 malformation. The lesson to be learned from this case is that craniospinal pathology must be looked for in a patient with hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Anomalous Origin of the Right Vertebral Artery: Incidence and Significance.

OBJECTIVE: Detailed knowledge about anatomic variations of the aortic arch and its multiple branches is extremely important to endovascular and diagnostic radiologists. It is often hypothesized that anomalous origin and distribution of large aortic vessels may alter the cerebral hemodynamics and potentially lead to a vascular pathology. METHODS: In this article, we describe a case of anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery, which was detected during an intervention. We further reviewed the available literature of anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery. The probable embryologic development and clinical significance are discussed. RESULTS: The incidence of anomalous origin of a vertebral artery seems to be underestimated in recent literature. A careful review of the literature shows more than 100 such cases. The right vertebral artery can arise from the aortic arch or one of its branches. Dual origin of the vertebral artery is not uncommon. The embryologic developmental hypotheses are contradictory and complex. CONCLUSIONS: Anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery may not be the sole reason behind a disease process. However, it can certainly lead to a misdiagnosis during diagnostic vascular studies. Detailed information is essential for any surgery or endovascular intervention in this location.