Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Central Nervous System: A Report of Two Cases with Emphasis on Diagnostic Pitfalls.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare primary central nervous system neoplasm that usually presents as a dural-based mass. Awareness of the entity is limited by the rarity of the tumor which renders it prone to misdiagnosis. We present two cases of SFT located in the right parafalx and intraventricular region. The cases were classified as WHO grade 1 and grade 2, respectively. The present study discusses the radiological, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical features of SFT, with emphasis on potential diagnostic pitfalls that may lead to erroneous diagnosis.

Use of Stock Titanium Mesh Plates in Cranioplasty.

Craniofacial surgeons are often confronted with major defects of the calvarium. These most commonly are post-traumatic but could also be consequent upon neurosurgical procedures, infection, or tumor removal. There are several options available to reconstruct these defects including autogenous, heterogeneous, and alloplastic material. The goal is to have a method that is easy, cost-effective, with minimal complications, and long-lasting. In our unit we review 100 cases of the use of stock titanium mesh during a 5-year period. Complications occurred in 5 patients (5%) with 3 exposures, 1 late seroma and 1 case requiring repositioning of the plate following trauma. None of the patients required removal of the plate.

Retained garden fork following cranial stab injury.

Retained garden fork is a rare complication of penetrating cranial trauma. Retained knife blade is the most commonly reported presentation. We report an unusual case of a 30-year-old male patient treated at our institution, who presented with a retained garden fork following a stab to the head, with no associated neurological deficits. Computerized tomographic scan of the brain was performed preoperatively to assess the trajectory of the weapon and parenchymal injury. A craniectomy was performed to facilitate removal of the weapon in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia. Intravenous prophylactic antibiotics were administered pre- and postoperatively to prevent septic complications. The patient recovered well and was discharged home.