Intracranial inflammatory pseudotumour related to IgG4: A very rare case.

Background: Intracranial inflammatory pseudotumours (IPT) are rare entities that frequently lead to misdiagnosis with malignant lesions. The identification of these lesions is difficult, but important to avoid inadvertent iatrogenicity and to adjust therapeutic protocols. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 30-year-old man who presented a single tonic-clonic seizure. Brain imaging showed a right frontal lesion with intra and extra axial components. Facing the radiologic presentation, a brain tumor was suspected, thus the patient underwent surgery. Pathological exam concluded to a plasma cell granuloma. A whole-body CT-scan showed only a thoracic aortitis. Complete blood work studies came back negative. The patient was also tested for an array of antibodies among which antinuclear antibodies were positive (blood level superior to 1/100). CSF evaluation revealed clear fluid with normal glucose concentration, normal protein levels and lymphocytic pleocytosis. Finally, IgG-4 plasma levels were elevated which led to the diagnosis of an IgG4-RD. The patient was put under prednisolone with a favorable outcome. Conclusion: IPT have several etiologies, among which IgG4 related disease may be one of the less known as only 2 cases have previously been reported. Herein, we report a new case of a young man who presented for seizures related to an intracranial lesion of an IgG4 related disease. The challenge is to suspect such conditions to avoid unnecessary surgeries.

Pediatric head injuries: particularities and neurosurgical experience in a lower-middle income country.

PURPOSE: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Tunisia on the neurosurgical management of child cranial trauma. The objectives of the present work were to identify the causes of pediatric head injuries, explore epidemiological and clinical specificities, and analyze the short- and long-term postoperative evolution. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on one hundred children with head injuries over a five-year period at one of the largest neurosurgery departments in Tunisia. The collected data encompassed demographic information, clinical presentation features, neuroimaging characteristics, surgical management, complications, and outcomes. RESULTS: Over a five-year period, we have found 118 children who have undergone surgery, representing an annual incidence of twenty-four children per year. The average age was 10 years. Falls emerged as the primary cause of childhood head injuries in our series, followed by road traffic accidents. The most frequently encountered initial sign was the loss of consciousness (52%), followed by headaches (28%), vomiting (25%), and seizures (8%). The average time between the accident and admission to the operating unit was 10 h. Various neurosurgeries were performed, with the evacuation of an epidural hematoma being the most common procedure. At a median follow-up of 24 months, the outcomes were favorable in 88% of cases. CONCLUSION: The main prognostic factors for head trauma in children included age, circumstances of the accident, association with polytrauma, the initial Glasgow Coma Scale, the nature of the initial cerebral lesions, and the timeliness and quality of initial management.

A Spectacular Penetrating Craniocerebral Trauma From a Rake: A Case Report.

Penetrating intracranial foreign bodies are rare and have a high potential for death or serious morbidity. Their surgical management is complicated and challenging. Herein, we present the case of a 30-years-old man who was a victim of aggression from a rake blow to the head. The rake's teeth were embedded in his cranium, crossing the midline. The surgery was delicate and had to be well studied because two of the rake's teeth plunged into the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The patient recovered a perfect state of consciousness and was discharged with squealer right upper limb monoparesia. Penetrating intracranial foreign bodies are rare. Few studies have reported on the removal of such foreign bodies, particularly in cases where the foreign body is close to or penetrates the SSS. They cause spectacular cranial trauma and a greater volume of the object. The aim of surgery is to remove the object without worsening the parenchymal and vascular cerebral lesions. This maneuver was delicate. A craniectomy is recommended around the penetrating object before it is carefully extracted with or without opening the dura mater.

Aseptic ascites and chemical meningitis following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for craniopharyngioma: A first case report.

We report the case of a 4-year-old boy who had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to hydrocephalus related to a cystic craniopharyngioma. Postoperative, he presented abdominal distension and meningismus. Imaging showed regression of the tumor. The cyst was drained by the shunt. No similar situations were reported in the literature.

Exploring Rare Traumatic Injuries: A Miniseries of 4 Cases Discussing Epidural Hematomas Bridging the Infratentorial and Supratentorial Regions.

Supratentorial-infratentorial epidural hematomas (SIEH) are a rare occurrence following traumatic head injuries, representing only 2% of traumatic epidural hematomas. Given the unique anatomical characteristics of the infratentorial region, mainly its small size, surgical intervention is commonly undertaken to alleviate the pressure on the posterior fossa components. Consequently, there is ongoing debate surrounding the optimal surgical approaches.In this report, we present four cases of SIEH that were treated surgically. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, encompassing clinical, radiological, and therapeutic aspects associated with this condition.SIEH are uncommon post-traumatic lesions that require urgent and individualized management on a case-by-case basis, as guided by multiplanar cerebral computed tomography scan findings. Preoperative planning is essential; however, intraoperative exploration and identification of transverse sinus and torcula lesions are crucial for optimal patient care. The surgical approach may be modified intraoperatively based on the nature and extent of these lesions. In all cases, prompt hematoma evacuation and meticulous hemostasis are the two primary objectives of this surgery.

Asymmetric Bilateral Traumatic Epidural Hematoma: A Report of a Rare Traumatic Lesion.

Bilateral epidural hematoma is a rare presentation in head trauma injuries, accounting for only 1%-2% of all epidural hematomas, but with a higher mortality rate than the unilateral form. Herein, we report the case of a 27-year-old man admitted to our department following a road traffic accident. On admission,his Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 13/15. After a few minutes, he became comatose (GCS 6/15) with right anisocoria. CT scan revealed a bilateral asymmetric epidural hematoma with a left extralabyrinthic linear fracture. Surgical evacuation was subsequently performed, starting with the voluminous right hematoma. The patient was discharged on the 23rd postoperative day with a right third-nerve palsy. Conclusions: In this case report, we discuss the etiology, mechanism, and management of bilateral epidural hematoma. Early diagnosis and a judicious surgical approach for bilateral epidural hematoma are necessary to minimize mortality and morbidity. Prevention is key to reducing traumatic brain injuries.

Hydrocephalus associated to posterior fossa tumor-like sarcoidosis: A case report and literature review.

Background: Intracranial inflammatory pseudotumors (IIPT) are one of the differential diagnosis for the central nervous system (CNS) tumors. They represent a rare condition that may mimic clinically and radiologically intracranial tumors and induce their complications. Among their etiologies, neurosarcoidosis is one of the less known and less frequent. To the best of our knowledge, only two cases of posterior fossa IIPT have been reported in the literature. We present here the 3rd case related to a neurosarcoidosis. Case presentation: We report the case of a 55-year-old female patient who presented with an altered state of consciousness associated to severe intracranial hypertension syndrome for four months. Glasgow coma scale on admission was 14/15. Brain imaging revealed bilateral cerebellar micronodular meningeal enhancement regarding the mesencephalon and the pons, as well as a nodular lesion of the 4th ventricle causing a triventricular acute hydrocephalus. The patient had a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt with a favorable outcome. Afterwards, she underwent a salivary gland biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis. Conclusion: Posterior fossa IIPT are very rare, mainly when located in the posterior fossa, leading to confusion with other pathologies. MRI has an important role in the diagnosis of these lesions, and the determination of their etiology. It shows other than the IIPT itself, many other signs such as leptomeningeal enhancement, nodular lesions or pituitary stalk thickening. These signs can orientate towards the diagnosis. Treatment may associate to symptomatic approach, corticosteroids. Surgical resection may be proposed when the diagnosis remains doubtful.

Polyuria and polydipsia revealing a pituitary metastasis: Report of a rare case.

Sellar region is a rare localization for intracranial metastases. The diagnosis is frequently delayed as symptoms are generally non specific. Radiologic diagnosis may be difficult as these tumours present similiraities to other more frequent sellar tumours. There is still no consensus regarding therapeutic approach. Prognosis is related to several features.

Cerbellar medulloblastoma in the elderly: Case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Medulloblastoma is a malignant tumor of the posterior fossa which is mainly found in children aged less than 15 years of age. This tumor is uncommon in adults, especially those above 40 years old. We report the very rare case of a 61 years-old woman who was diagnosed with a cerebellar medulloblastoma. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 61-year-old woman who presented for signs of elevated intracranial and cerebellar syndrome related to an atypical mass located within the left cerebellar hemisphere. The patient underwent an incomplete resection of the mass due to the infiltration of the superior cerebellar peduncle. Histology and immunohistochemistry concluded to a classic medulloblastoma. Thus, she underwent postoperative radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: Medulloblastoma is very rarely diagnosed in patients above 60 years, as only 14 cases have already been published. Therapeutic approach is based on surgery and radiotherapy in both children and adults, whereas addition of chemotherapy is controversial. CONCLUSIONS: Even in adults over 60 years of age, medulloblastoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a cerebellar mass. This diagnosis should be kept in mind as clinical and radiological present specificities to the features commonly described in infants' medulloblastoma.

Transdural spinal cord herniation: A rare cause of neurologic impairment: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Herniation of the thoracic spinal cord is a rare pathology related to the genesis of a breach in the anterior dura. Adding to the previously published cases, we report our department's experience with 2 cases of young adults who presented with transdural spinal cord herniation following spinal trauma. PRESENTATION OF THE CASES: We report the cases of 2 men aged 27 and 57, with history of spinal trauma, who presented diverse clinical complaints (motor impairment, genito-sphincteric disorders, etc.). Spinal cord MRI showed an anterior displacement of the spinal cord. Both patients were operated. Peroperative findings and radiological features were concordant with transdural spinal cord herniation. DISCUSSION: Spinal cord herniation is a rare condition which is usually related to a misdiagnosed spinal trauma. Pathogenesis is still being debated. This condition may lead to a myelopathy potentially responsible for severe neurologic impairment, mainly presenting as a Brown-Sequard syndrome. Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiologic features on MRI. Surgical treatment is proposed when neurological signs are found. Long-term clinical and radiological monitoring is necessary for paucisymptomatic, non-operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the described cases, we tried to review the main clinical, radiological and therapeutic features related to this condition.

Pneumocephalus after posterior fossa surgery in prone position: Is that any clinical effect?

INTRODUCTION: The term pneumocephalus refers to the existence of air in any intracranial compartment. Its presence in the follows of a supratentorial craniotomy is very common, and it usually represents a benign complication as it is very rarely responsible for clinical manifestations. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 24 years-old man, who underwent posterior fossa surgery in prone position for resection of a vermian tumor. Postoperative, the patient presented a tonic-clonic generalized seizure associated to high levels of arterial pressure and decerebration. Control CT scan showed an important pneumocephalus. On the posterior fossa, the air was responsible for a compression of the brainstem, without any other postoperative complications. Following 12 h of conservative management, a brain MRI showed a total regression of the pneumocephalus. 3 days later, the patient presented a favorable outcome as he was extubated without any major impairments. DISCUSSION: Transformation of pneumocephalus into tension pneumocephalus responsible for clinical inadvertance is rare. This complication is mainly related to surgeries performed in sitting position. The occurrence of compressive pneumocephalus after a posterior fossa craniotomy performed in a prone position is seldom. CONCLUSIONS: Through this case, we discuss pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches for tension pneumocephalus following posterior fossa performed in prone position.

About a rare pediatric case of myxoid meningioma.

Intracranial meningiomas are uncommon in the pediatric group. Myxoid meningioma is a subtype of metaplastic meningioma. It is the rarest WHO grade I meningioma. Only one case of pediatric myxoid meningioma was described in the literature. We report the case of 14-year-old boy who presented with a left parietal dura-inserted tumor. Histological and immunological studies concluded to a myxoid meningioma. We reviewed the literature for this rare pathology and draw attention to the necessity of distinguishing it from other mucinous tumors of the central nervous system, especially chordoid meningioma which has poorer prognosis.

Unintentional direct intraventricular injection of gadolinium with fatal outcome: report of a case.

Gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) is the main contrast agent used in MRI, known for its good tolerance and rare toxicity. Even intrathecal injection of limited doses of Gadolinium can be performed in some indications. To our knowledge, only 3cases of accidental intraventricular injection of Gadolinium have been yet reported in the literature. We report the case of a 40-year-old male patient, who presented with headaches and vomiting. Brain MRI showed a right parietal abscess. The patient underwent emergent surgery for drainage of the septic collection. Postoperative MRI showed the development of a hydrocephalus related to a ventriculitis. Another surgery was performed to set up an external ventricular shunt, which lead to an improvement of the neurological status. A control brain MRI was scheduled for the patient, which revealed extensive abnormal enhancement inside the right lateral ventricle, on the basal cisterns as well as a leptomeningeal enhancement. Shortly after Gadolinium injection, the patient presented a tonic-clonic seizure. This clinico-radiological context leads to discover of the inadvertent intraventricular administration. Afterward, the patient's condition quickly deteriorated. Two days after the MRI he presented a cardiorespiratory arrest followed by death. Direct administration of Gadolinium into a ventriculostomy mistaken for intravenous catheter is a rare but harmful situation. Despite their rarity, such cases prove the importance of tracing all lines to their insertion sites to be confident of their appropriateness for injection.

Ischemic stroke following operated head trauma in children: Discussion of a rare clinical case.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. TBI in children are responsible for a range of clinical symptoms and signs that are comparable to those in adults, but present several differences in both physiopathology and management. Many postoperative complications may occur, ischemic stroke among others, which is generally related to an injury of an intracranial artery. Out of this case, it may be more difficult to find a suitable explanation to this complication. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a child aged years old, who was collided by a car causing a polytrauma with head and chest injury. On body scan, she had a fracture of the sixth left rib, and a frontal cranio-cerebral wound. The patient was operated for debridement of the wound, and tight closure of the injured dura mater. Initial postoperative course was uneventful, but 5 days after first surgery patient presented an acute onset of a right hemiplegia followed by an alteration of her state of consciousness, and a left anisocoria. Follow up CT scan showed a stroke of the whole left carotid territory. The patient was re-operated through a left decompressive craniectomy. Following the second surgery, she showed an improvement of her level of consciousness and a normalization of the size of her pupils, but aphasia and a right hemiplegia persisted. 2 weeks after surgery, the patient had a progressive necrosis of the surgical scar, followed by an exposure of the underlying cerebral cortex. Despite of intensive local care, a plastic surgery to recover the wound and antibiotics, the patient presented a meningitis, followed by a septic shock and death. CLINICAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic stroke is probably the most harsh and unpredictable complication that may occur after TBI, mainly in children. Only rigorous surgical approach followed by stringent post-operative care may prevent such outcomes.

Management of a recurrence of a squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp with extension to the brain: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. Simple excision can be the treatment at early stages of diagnosis. However, at late stages, treatment is more complex due to extension to the skull and the dura. In extremely rare cases, it can invade the brain making it a challenging situation for treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 54-year-old man with a history of cutaneous SCC who presented an invasive left frontal recurrence with brain invasion 19 years after initial surgery. The patient underwent surgery which consisted in tumor removal and bone and skin reconstruction. Immediate and late outcomes were favorable. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary treatment for SCC diagnosed in advanced stages is the best way to obtain encouraging results. Although significant advancements have been made, further study is needed for cases with advanced disease.

Pediatric Cerebellar Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma: Clinical and Radiological Findings in Three Cases.

Pilomyxoid astrocytomas (PMA) is a particular form of glial tumors distinct from pilocytic astrocytomas (PA). On the last 2016 WHO classification for CNS tumours, no definite grade assignment was proposed for these lesions. They may be more aggressive with a different clinical course compared to PA due to their greater propensity for local recurrence and cerebrospinal dissemination. Most cases arise from the hypothalamic region. Only few studies reported cerebellar localization of the lesion. We report 3 pediatric cases treated for pediatric PMA of the posterior fossa. Clinical, radiological, and prognostic features were reviewed. The age of our patients was between 1 and 9 years old. Signs of intracranial hypertension were found in all patients. One of them presented an increased head circumference and the 2 others had a cerebellar syndrome. Brain CT-scan and MRI displayed a large wellcircumscribed intra-axial solid and cystic posterior fossa tumor. Total surgical resection was performed for all tumors. After a 2 years follow up, no signs of recurrence were noticed. In the literature, PMA been reported with overwhelming majority in children aged between 2 months and 4 years. Despite of many pathological similarities with PAs, PMAs have some specific features in histology, leading to their identification as independent type of glioma. Radiological differential diagnosis between PMAs and Pas can be made using arterial spin labeling imaging, which shows low perfusion parameters in PAs. Clinical and radiological follow up are mandatory do to different natural history and higher rates of local recurrence of this tumor compared to PA. Prognosis is favorable when complete surgical exeresis is possible.

Iatrogenic Epidermoid Cyst of the Cauda Equina: A Late Complication of Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Epidermoid cysts (ECs) account for 0.5% to 1% of all spinal tumors. They can be congenital or acquired. Acquired spinal ECs are extremely rare and are mostly caused by trauma, or secondary to iatrogenic procedure such as lumbar punctures or surgery for spina bifida. As far as we know, this is the first report of a spinal EC complicating surgery for a lumbar disc herniation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 69-year-old woman, with a history of L3-L4 lumbar disc herniation surgery 30 years earlier, presented because of low back pain, weakness of her lower limbs, and bladder dysfunction evolving for 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging identified an intradural cystic lesion extending from the medullary cone to the L4 level, evoking an EC. The diagnosis was confirmed peroperatively. Neurologic motor signs improved postoperatively but not the sphincter disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the extreme rarity of this event, we should be aware of the potential de novo development of epidermoid tumors in patients who undergo surgery for lumbar disc herniation. Concerns must be given to persistent low back pain and delayed neurologic symptoms in these patients.

Epidural angiolipoma: A rare cause of spinal cord compression.

INTRODUCTION: Angiolipomas are benign, slow growing lesions, almost always located subcutaneously in the trunc or limbs. They are composed of mature lipocytes admixed with abnormal blood vessels. Spinal epidural angiolipoma are rare accounting for approximately 0.14-1.2% of all spinal axis tumors and 2-3% of epidural spinal tumors. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 65 years-old-woman, presenting with complete paraplegia installed since 7 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an epidural dorsal fatty mass. The patient recovered immediately after surgery. The pathological examination concluded to an angiolipoma. DISCUSSION: Angiolipoma patients most commonly have long-lasting pain and then develop progressive neurological symptoms secondary to spinal cord compression. The mean duration of symptom progression at diagnosis is 1 year. MRI is the most reliable examination for the diagnosis of spinal angiolipoma. Total resection is the treatment of choice. No adjuvant treatment is indicated. Since SAL are very haemorrhagic lesions, preoperative embolization is recommended. CONCLUSION: We think that spinal cord compression caused by angiolipoma have very good functional prognosis, even if tardily diagnosed.