Spaceflight and Neurosurgery: A Comprehensive Review of the Relevant Literature.

OBJECTIVE: Spaceflight and the associated gravitational fluctuations may impact various components of the central nervous system. These include changes in intracranial pressure, the spine, and neurocognitive performance. The implications of altered astronaut performance on critical spaceflight missions are potentially significant. The current body of research on this important topic is extremely limited, and a comprehensive review has not been published. Herein, the authors address this notable gap, as well as the role of the neurosurgeon in optimizing potential diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases, with no time constraints. Significant manuscripts on physiologic changes associated with spaceflight and microgravity were identified and reviewed. Manifestations were separated into 1 of 3 general categories, including changes in intracranial pressure, the spine, and neurocognitive performance. RESULTS: A comprehensive literature review yielded 27 studies with direct relevance to the impact of microgravity and spaceflight on nervous system physiology. This included 7 studies related to intracranial pressure fluctuations, 17 related to changes in the spinal column, and 3 related to neurocognitive change. CONCLUSIONS: The microgravity environment encountered during spaceflight impacts intracranial physiology. This includes changes in intracranial pressure, the spinal column, and neurocognitive performance. Herein, we present a systematic review of the published literature on this issue. Neurosurgeons should have a key role in the continued study of this important topic, contributing to both diagnostic and therapeutic understanding.

Intraocular Nematode Affixed to Posterior Lens Capsule.

The clinical presentation of an intraocular nematode unusually affixed to the posterior lens capsule is described. A 64-year-old female patient presented with a 7-year history of gradually declining vision and enlarging central scotoma, but no inflammation. On follow-up 2 years later, vision had further declined and a non-motile, 8-mm nematode was seen affixed to the posterior lens capsule that remained unchanged through final follow-up. The patient disclosed having resided in Africa as a child. Systemic review revealed no evidence of extraocular involvement. Nematode carcasses may remain preserved in the human eye for extended periods without ongoing inflammation.

Incontinentia Pigmenti: A Comprehensive Review and Update.

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare syndrome with skin lesions, ocular abnormalities in the retina and elsewhere, central nervous system abnormalities, and teeth defects. The authors present an updated review of the literature, highlighting diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of IP. IP is an X-linked dominant syndrome with an incidence of 0.0025%; most patients are female. IP is caused by a mutation in the IKBKG gene, causing a loss of function of NF-κß, leaving cells susceptible to apoptosis from intrinsic factors. The cardinal feature of IP is four stages of skin distinctive lesions. Of those with IP, 36.5% have detectable eye pathology and 60% to 90% of those have retinal issues. Peripheral avascularity and macular occlusive disease commonly occur. The authors performed a comprehensive review of Medline from 1947 to 2014. All papers mentioning IP in ophthalmologic journals were reviewed as well as applicable publications from other medical specialties.