Revisiting Surgery in the Current Era of Gamma Knife for Cavernous Sinus Lesions.

Background: The challenges associated with surgeries of cavernous sinus (CS) lesions have shifted the management trend towards upfront gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Although GKRS is effective in arresting the progression of certain small residual/recurrent lesions, its efficacy in alleviating neurological deficits is less evident. Furthermore, GKRS without establishing the histopathological diagnosis, at times can be detrimental. Objective: We present our clinical experience to reemphasize the role of surgery for CS lesions in the current era of upfront GKRS. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our database of 32 patients with various CS lesions treated by surgery for progressive cranial nerve deficits. The follow-up data were analyzed for the extent of resection, and in particular for improvement in their symptoms. Results: The lesions were confirmed as hemangioma (CSH)-8, meningioma-8, trigeminal schwannoma-6, chordoma-3, residual pituitary with CS extension-3, fungal granuloma-3, and dysgerminoma-1. Symptoms improved in 23 (complete in 13) and remained at least static in six patients. Follow-up ranged from 4-36 months. Conclusions: The nature of pathology should determine the management modality in CS lesions. Excision of CS schwannomas and chordomas yields rapid clinical improvement and good long-term outcomes. Resection is preferred for large CSH and functioning pituitary tumors. Although the clinical improvement may be less dramatic, surgery debulks the meningiomas. Most importantly, surgery also establishes the histopathological diagnosis of CS lesions. Even with an easy alternative of upfront GKRS, resection has a definite role in the primary management of most CS pathologies.

Temporalis Muscle cysticercosis: Common Parasite at Uncommon Location.

Isolated involvement of the temporalis muscle by cysticercosis is uncommon. The clinical features may mimic other inflammatory conditions of maxilofacial region or that of temporal headache. We describe here a case of right temporalis muscle cysticercosis that was initially misdiagnosed as dental caries. She clinically improved with albendazole and steroid. The radiology done after 6 months of therapy showed a complete resolution of the intramuscular lesion. Although rare, cysticercosis should be kept as one differential in patients present with unilateral temporal headache in endemic areas. Intramuscular cysticercosis can be diagnosed on the basis of radiological findings and respond well to pharmacological therapy.

Head injury care in a low- and middle-income country tertiary trauma center: epidemiology, systemic lacunae, and possible leads.

BACKGROUND: Although head injury (HI) from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) heavily contributes to the global disease burden, studies are disproportionately less from this part of the world. Knowing the different epidemiological characteristics from high-income nations can target appropriate prevention strategies. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinico-epidemiological data of HI patients, focusing on the existing challenges with possible solutions from a developing nation's perspective. METHODS: This is a prospective, registry-based, observational study of HI in an Indian tertiary trauma-care center over 4 years. Various clinico-epidemiological parameters, risk factors, and imaging spectrum were analyzed in a multivariate model to identify the challenges faced by LMIC and discuss pragmatic solutions. RESULTS: The study included a large-volume cohort of 14,888 patients. Notably, half of these patients belonged to mild HI, despite most were referred (90.3%) cases. Only one-third (30.8%) had severe HI. Less than a third reached us within 6 h of injury. Road traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for most injuries (61.1%), especially in the young (70.9%). Higher age, males, RTA, helmet non-usage, drunken driving, systemic injuries, and specific imaging features had an independent association with injury severity. CONCLUSIONS: The study represents the much-needed, large-volume, epidemiological profile of HI from an LMIC, highlighting the suboptimal utilization of peripheral healthcare systems. Strengthening and integrating these facilities with the tertiary centers in a hub and enhanced spoke model, task sharing design, and efficient back-referrals promise effective neurotrauma care while avoiding overburden in the tertiary centers. Better implementation of road safety laws also has the potential to reduce the burden of HI.

Orbital Rim Sparing Single-piece Fronto-orbital Keyhole Craniotomy Through Eyebrow Incision: A Technical Report and Comparative Review.

BACKGROUND: The classical eyebrow supraorbital keyhole craniotomy has limited working volume due to the thick incurving of the frontal bone necessitating generous drilling of the frontal base. However, the basal variant with sectioning of the orbital rim results in increased periorbital edema. OBJECTIVE: We describe a novel orbital rim sparing single-piece fronto-orbital keyhole approach, probably the first such report with a comparative review of relevant literature. METHODS: Following eyebrow incision, bidirectional drilling with a ball tip behind the fronto-zygomatic suture exposes the periorbita and frontal dura, with orbital roof in-between. The craniotomy is fashioned with an angled fronto-orbital cut parallel to and sparing the orbital rim with dura-guard over the periorbita, a frontal cut over the dura, and an optional cut along the lateral orbital roof from within the burr hole. A comparative review of this technique with traditional methods is also carried out. RESULTS: Compared to the classical supraorbital keyhole, this minimally invasive approach yields a wider basal exposure with greater working volume for intracranial and orbital lesions. Compared to the basal variant of keyhole fronto-orbital approach, this technique results in the least disturbance to periorbita's attachment with the orbital margin, maintenance of orbital contour, better cosmesis with use of simple tools and self-fitting flap. CONCLUSION: The orbital rim sparing single-piece fronto-orbital keyhole craniotomy is an easy and novel minimally invasive approach with greater working volume without the disadvantages of sectioning the orbital rim.

Elective inferior temporal lobe resection as an adjunct to subtemporal approach for a case of tentorial meningioma arising from the middle part of the free edge of the tentorium: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Tentorial meningiomas attached to the inner edge of the tentorium are difficult to excise due to their deep location. Sufficient space may not be always available through a subtemporal approach. Thus, the aim of not retracting the brain is not fulfilled. METHODS: To gain surgical corridor, we electively resected the inferior temporal lobe. This helped in greater working space, better visualization, and less chances of venous damage. RESULTS: Employing this technique of elective temporal lobe resection helped us in complete tumor removal without compromising on vision or surgical corridor. CONCLUSION: A limited inferior temporal lobectomy greatly enhances the working space and vision in cases of difficult tentorial meningiomas. This translates into ease of tumor excision without compromising the patient safety.

Wax Droplets Lining Ventricles.

Rupture of the spinal dermoid is rare. There may be intracranial deposition of fat secondary to it. We report a case of an adult male who presented with features of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to ruptured lumbar dermoid. A 42-year-male presented with acute-onset headache and vomiting for 2 days. There was grade 3 papilledema on fundus examination. Magnetic resonance imaging showed ventriculomegaly with aqueductal obstruction. Multiple T1 and T2 hyperintense deposits were also noted along the ventricular wall. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed a T1, T2 hyperintense intramedullary lesion at the lumbar region with multiple fat deposits along the spinal axis. He underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy and is doing well at the 6-month follow-up. He is asymptomatic for the spinal lesion. Silent rupture of the spinal dermoid causing obstructive hydrocephalus is rare. These patients may remain asymptomatic for the spinal lesion and improves with cerebrospinal fluid diversion.