Unusual presentation of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) in children: pediatric intracranial osteosarcoma with secondary ABC.

A 13-year-old female patient presented with painless vision loss and proptosis for 18 months. Imaging findings were highly suggestive of a supraorbital aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) for which she underwent complete surgical excision. Postoperatively, she developed left hemiparesis. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed right complete internal carotid arterial (ICA) thrombosis. This was managed conservatively, and she improved in hemiparesis over the next 3 weeks. Histopathology report revealed osteosarcoma with secondary ABC, for which she was referred for radiotherapy. At 1.5 months follow-up, the patient's left lower limb power improved to 4 + /5. She was walking without support, and her left upper limb power was 4/5.

Calcium phosphate and titanium cranioplasty after total angular craniopagus separation.

Craniopagus separation requires careful planning and a multi-staged surgical approach, managed by a multidisciplinary team. Despite growing experience on surgical management, the long-term restoration of the cranial defect has been rarely discussed so far. Several alloplastic materials have been proposed as effective and safe solutions for cranioplasty even for pediatric patients, allowing for bone generation, good aesthetic results, and low complication rates. We report, for the first time, on a separated craniopagus child who underwent successful implant of a tailor-made system based on the combination of calcium phosphate ceramic reinforced with a titanium mesh.

ICA Bifurcation Aneurysms: Clinical Features and Surgical Outcome in a Tertiary Referral Center in South India.

AIM: To study the clinical profile, imaging features, intra-operative findings, post-operative outcome at discharge and at 6 months in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation aneurysm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Present study is a retrospective analysis of data of patients who underwent surgery for ICA bifurcation aneurysm between the period of 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2015 at our institute. Demographic variable, clinical grade, radiological finding was assessed. Outcome was measured using modified Rankin score (mRs) at discharge and at 6 months follow up. All ICA bifurcation aneurysms were clipped using a standard pterional craniotomy. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included in the study out of which 4 had bilateral ICA bifurcation aneurysms. Mean age was 44.15 (age range 14-65) years, with 43.75% of patient were < 40yrs. Multiple aneurysms were seen in 11 (39.28%) patients, with superior projection being the most common in 53.12%. Vasospasm was seen in 12 (42.85%) with 4 patients undergoing chemical angioplasty. At discharge good outcome (mRs < 3) was seen in 4/5 (80%) patients in the un-bled category, whereas 18/23 (78.2%) in bled category. At 6 months follow up, mRs < 3 was seen 4 (100%) patients in unbled category, and 84.21% (16 of 19) patients in bled group. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study have shown an increased incidence of bilaterality and multiplicity for ICA bifurcation aneurysms. The direction of the dome of aneurysm and temporary clipping do not affect the treatment outcomes. These aneurysms have excellent outcomes following surgery.

A Study of the Developing Paediatric Skullbase Anatomy and its Application to Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches in Children.

OBJECTIVE: The sinonasal anatomy in growing children undergoes change in size along with progressive pneumatization, this is of particular significance in endoscopic endonasal surgery. We aim to measure and quantify the sinonasal dimensions in the Indian paediatric population, which are relevant to skull base surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective radio anatomical study of sinonasal measurements and volumetric analysis of the sphenoid sinus performed on archived CT images of children less than 18 years of age. RESULTS: CT scan images of 110 patients (male, 68; female, 42) were included for the study. The number of patients in each age groups was as follows [0-6 years, 17; 7-9 years, 20; 10-12 years, 27; 13-15 years, 29; 16-18 years, 17]. The distance from the nares to the sphenoid and from the sphenoid to the sella was significantly greater in children of 13-15 years (69.4 ± 5.2 mm) as compared to children less than six years (62.6 ± 6.7 mm) (P < 0.003). The volume of the sphenoid in children between 0 and 6 years was 4641.4 ± 1924.7 mm3. The pneumatized sphenoid volume in the same age group was 1655 ± 1631.1 mm3. In older children between 13 and 15 years, the total volume of sphenoid sinus was 11732.8 ± 2614.4 mm3. The volume of pneumatization in the sphenoid sinus in this group was 6287.5 ± 2157.9 mm3. The total volume of the sphenoid sinus (Pearson coefficient (r) = 0.704, P < 0.001) and the volume of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus was also seen to have a positive correlation to the age of the child (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001). The narrowest distance between both the internal carotid arteries was seen at the level of the proximal dural ring. In children less than six years of age it was 13.4 ± 2.0 mm, a significant change was seen by the age of 10-12 years where this distance was 15.6 ± 2.2 mm (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The sinonasal anatomy shows progressive development between the age of 6 to 15 years after which it plateaus. The pneumatization in young children may be incomplete, which necessitates drilling in the sphenoid sinus. The intercarotid distance was not seen to be a hindrance for endoscopic endonasal surgery. None of the measurements of the skull-base, made in this study appear to restrict endoscopic endonasal surgery in children. However, a meticulous preoperative assessment of the CT scan may be needed for optimal surgical outcome.