Behçet's disease detecting by hemoptysis and recurrent epididymo-orchitis: A case report from Syria.

Behçet's disease is a chronic systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, ocular lesions, and other manifestations. This disease affects many organs and systems, showing a wide range of clinical features. Although pulmonary artery involvement is not common in Behçet's disease, its presence carries a substantial risk of mortality. This report provides a detailed history of a 25-year-old male who was admitted with productive cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea on minimal exertion, fever, and chest pain. He had recurrent orchitis and epididymitis for 7 years, as well as oral and genital ulcers and severe headache. Clinical examination revealed decreased breath sounds at the right middle lung. Thoracic computed tomography angiography confirmed multiple pulmonary artery aneurysms bilaterally. The patient was diagnosed with Behçet's disease, and immunosuppression therapy was initiated. During follow-up, the patient did not report any complications. This case report underscores the significance for clinicians to consider Behçet's disease as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with hemoptysis and a history of orchitis and epididymitis, given that Behçet's disease rarely causes pulmonary artery aneurysms.

Suprabulbar Approach to Jugular Fossa Tumors: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Owing to their scarcity, location, and intricate neurovascular associations, jugular fossa tumors are among the most challenging pathologies encountered by the neurosurgeon.1 While paragangliomas originate within and often occlude the jugular bulb, schwannomas and meningiomas are extra-bulbar and typically do not impede venous flow.2 Schwannomas typically arise from an extradural origin, expanding the jugular foramen.3-5 Meningiomas are intradural and cause hyperostosis of the jugular tubercle.6 We described and have been exposing and resecting jugular fossa tumors through a presigmoid suprabulbar infralabyrinthine window6 that has been detailed in cadaveric studies.7,8 This approach maintains the patency of the jugular bulb without breaching the labyrinths or manipulating the facial nerve. It is applicable to cases with partially impaired hearing and intact lower cranial nerves. The carotid artery can be identified by neuronavigation and micro-Doppler ultrasonography. This approach provides a direct lateral trajectory with a short distance to the jugular fossa and cerebellopontine angle. Early exposure and central debulking of the tumor minimize manipulation of the exquisitely sensitive lower cranial nerves. The distal aspect of these tumors can be removed with endoscopic assisted techniques.9 The first patient is a 49-yr-old woman with a previously irradiated schwannoma who presented with worsening neurologic deficits-an extradural suprabulbar approach was used to resect this tumor. The second patient is a 27-yr-old woman with an enlarging meningioma and associated neurological dysfunction; this tumor was resected using the suprabulbar approach with opening of the presigmoid dura. Both patients have consented to surgery and publication of images. Image at 2:27 and 6:38 reprinted from Arnautovic et al, with permission from JNSPG. Image at 2:50 and 6:45 ©Ossama Al-Mefty 1997, reused with permission.

Foramen Magnum Meningioma-The Attainment of the Intra-Arachnoidal Dissection: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Ventral foramen magnum meningiomas are a forbidding lesion. The stake is so high with a risk of devastating paralysis and respiratory failure. Careful preoperative clinical and radiological evaluation is necessary to implement the best treatment plan. Successful surgical intervention depends on paying high attention to minute details throughout the case, from intratracheal intubation to extubation. The neural head-on-neck position is critical to avoid further medullary compression at intubation and positioning.1 Extensive neurophysiological monitoring, including somatosensory, motor, brainstem evoked potential, and cranial nerves, during the positioning and throughout the case, is extremely helpful to detect early signs of dysfunction.1 To expose and access ventral tumors, partial condyle resection and vertebral artery transposition are invaluable techniques.2,3 Preservation and minute manipulation of the vital neurovascular structures at this junction that includes the medullar, anterior spinal artery, posterior inferior cerebellar artery, vertebral junction perforators, and lower cranial nerves are essential for good outcomes. This is achieved by microsurgical intra-arachnoidal dissection under high magnification and after debulking the tumor to establish that plane.1,3,4 The demonstration of this technique is the purpose of this article. We demonstrate these surgical tenets applied to the resection of a large ventral foramen magnum meningioma extending from the midclivus to the C3 vertebral body level in a 54-yr-old female presenting with swallowing difficulties. The patient consented to the surgical intervention and the publication of her images. Image at 1:38 reprinted with permission from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas. Vol 1, © LWW, 1998.

Combined Microscopic-Endoscopic Transmastoid Resection of a Petrous Meningioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Petrous meningiomas are defined as tumors with a basal dural attachment on the posterior surface of the petrous bone.1 Their insertion can be anterior to the meatus (petrous apex meningiomas), or posterior to the meatus, with associated hyperostotic bony invasion either pre- or retro-meatal.2 These meningiomas are amenable to curative surgical removal and have better surgical outcomes than more medially located true petroclival meningiomas that originate medial to the fifth nerve.2-4 They, however, remain challenging because of their close relationship to critical neurovascular structures in the cerebellopontine angle.5 The posterior petrous meningiomas might reach a significant size with compression of the cerebellum, the brainstem, and involvement of the cranial nerves, and extend posteriorly to the transverse sigmoid sinus.2,6 Transmastoid approach with skeletonization and lateral reflection of the transverse sigmoid sinus provides a superb exposure without cerebellar retraction.6,7 The ease and complete resection of the tumor and invaded bone can be facilitated by combined microscopic-endoscopic techniques. We demonstrate these principles through the resection of a petrosal meningioma in a 56-yr-patient who presented with headaches, nystagmus, and mild cerebellar signs. The patient consented to the procedure. Image at 1:36 reprinted with permission from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas. Vol 1, ©LWW, 1998.

Interposition Grafting of the Facial Nerve After Resection of a Large Facial Nerve Schwannoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Facial nerve schwannomas can develop at any portion of the facial nerve.1 When arising from the mastoid portion of the facial nerve, the tumor will progressively erode the mastoid, giving the schwannoma an aggressive radiological appearance.1,2 The facial nerve is frequently already paralyzed, or no fascicles can be saved during resection. In these cases, end-to-end interposition grafting is the best option for facial reanimation.1,3-5 The healthy proximal and distal facial nerves are prepared prior to grafting. The great auricular nerve is readily available near the surgical site and represents an excellent graft donor with minimal associated morbidity.4,6 We demonstrate this technique through a case of a 48-yr-old male who presented with a complete right-sided facial nerve palsy due to a large facial schwannoma that invaded the mastoid and extended to the hypoglossal canal, causing hypoglossal nerve paralysis, and petrous carotid canal. His 4-yr follow-up showed no recurrent tumor with restored facial nerve function palsy to a House-Brackman grade III, and full recovery of his hypoglossal nerve function. The patient consented to the surgery and the publication of his image.

Resection of Giant Invasive Parasagittal Atypical Meningioma With a Venous Graft Reconstruction of the Sagittal Sinus: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Parasagittal meningioma becomes challenging when it involves the sagittal sinus and frequently invades the skull1; hence, resection of the invasive bone and management of the involved sinus are the two crucial issues in these tumors; notwithstanding the practice of conservative surgical resection coupled with irradiation (radiosurgery or stereotactic radiotherapy),2 radical surgical removal, including the invaded bone and sinus (Simpson grade I), alleviates recurrences. It is more valuable and particularly recommended in grade II meningiomas,3 since radical surgery is the principal factor in a long control of grade II meningioma4 and radiation effectiveness is directly related to gross total removal.5 On the other hand, removal of tumor involving the sinus and sinus reconstruction has been recommended and practiced for years.6-10 When the sinus is occluded, preservation of the collateral venous drainage becomes paramount.11 If the collateral venous drainage included cutaneous and dural channels, as in this patient, reconstructing of the sinus would become preventative of a major venous complication. Sindou et al8 even advocate the routine reconstruction of occluded sinus to minimize morbidity. The patient is 39 yr old with a giant parasagittal meningioma that invaded the skull, occluded the sinus at the mid-third, and had venous collateral through the dura and cutaneous veins. He underwent radical resection with reconstruction of the sinus by saphenous vein graft. Patient consented for the operation and publication of images. Illustrations at 1:51 and 2:15 from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas, © LWW, 1997, with permission.

Diaphragm Sellae Meningioma: Distinct Clinical, Anatomic, and Surgical Considerations: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Nestled in the parasellar region, surrounded by critical neurovascular structures, diaphragm sellae meningiomas although rare present distinct clinical, radiological, and surgical considerations.1-3 Consequently, they present surgical challenges that could be overcome with technical nuances. The origin of this meningioma on the diaphragm creates a distorted anatomy, which must be comprehended for the safe approach and resection. Three distinct subtypes of diaphragm sellae meningiomas are described, each with distinctive clinical presentations and surgical treatment implications.2 Type A originates from the upper leaf of diaphragm sellae pushing the stalk posteriorly. It usually presents with unilateral visual loss. Type B originates from the upper leaf of the diaphragm sellae pushing the stalk anteriorly. It presents with few visual symptoms, but memory disturbance and hypopituitarism are common. Type C originates from the inferior leaf of the diaphragm sellae (intrasellar meningioma) presenting with bitemporal hemianopsia and hypopituitarism. Recognizing these variations in this rare tumor subtype is critical to minimizing potential adverse outcomes associated with operative treatment. The cranial approach has been the recommended route for these lesions with an exception of the intrasellar type.1,3 In this article, we depict the pathological anatomy and demonstrate the surgical nuances in handling diaphragm sellae meningioma resection through a cranio-orbital approach4 in a patient who had an unsuccessful trans-sphenoidal resection attempt. The patient consented for the procedure. Image at 1:38 from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas, © LWW, 1997, with permission. Image at 8:56 from Kinjo et al,2 Diaphragma sellae meningiomas, case reports, Neurosurgery, 1995, 36(6), 1082-1092, by permission of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Petrosal Approach for Giant Retrochiasmatic Craniopharyngioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Microsurgical resection of craniopharyngiomas poses significant challenges, which are amplified with tumors in the retrochiasmatic location and larger size. Traditional pterional trans-sylvian, subfrontal translamia terminalis, or interhemispheric approaches provide narrow surgical corridors with obstructed visualization of the tumor by the prefixed chiasm and slit optic carotid window.1-5 The superior extension of the tumor compressing the hypothalamus and third ventricle are likewise inaccessible. Dissection through these approaches requires crossing and manipulation of the already compromised optic apparatus with surgical instruments. Finally, the basilar artery and its perforating branches are often adherent to the posterior aspect of the tumor, and are invisible. Endonasal endoscopic techniques have been utilized as a surgical approach that accesses the tumor without crossing the optic apparatus; however, these approaches have a significant risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and require dissection of the basilar artery and hypothalamus from long distances with lengthy instruments.6-9 Frequently, the surgeon achieves only partial removal. The petrosal approach is ideal for tumors in the retrochiasmatic location.10-13 Advantages include unhindered access to the retrochiasmatic space without crossing the optic nerve and chiasm. The angle of approach allows visualization superiorly to the hypothalamus. Additionally, the approach shortens the distance to the tumor, allowing for delicate bimanual dissection of the tumor, especially at the basilar artery and hypothalamic interfaces. This video demonstrates three cases of retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma resection through the petrosal approach, highlighting these advantages to optimize patient outcome. The patients and guardians consented for the surgery, photography, and publication of the patient's image. Figures from Al-Mefty et al11 used with permission from the Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group. Additional figures republished from Al-Mefty et al.12 "The petrosal approach for the resection of retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas," Neurosurgery, 2008, volume 62, issue 5 Suppl 2 (ONS), ONS331-ONS336, by permission of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Pineal Region Hemangioblastoma Resection Through Paramedian Supracerebellar Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Pineal region tumors remain challenging lesions to safely resect because of their central location.1 Patients frequently present with symptoms associated with hydrocephalus and brainstem compression.2 Local anatomy, primarily the tentorium angle and venous anatomy, plays a central role in the selection of the approach.3 The paramedian supracerebellar approach pioneered by Yasargil in 19844 allows to access the pineal region through a less steep angle while avoiding the central thickened arachnoid and midline cerebellar and vermian veins.3 Although the author strongly prefers the advantageous three-quarter concord position, this early case was performed in a sitting position, which requires a bubble test to rule out the presence of a persistent foramen ovale. The preoperative pineal differential diagnosis should be exhaustive, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tumor markers in suitable cases. Hemangioblastomas are seldom found or expected in the pineal area, and the surgeon must be alarmed by their typical "cherry nodule" appearance.2,5 Their recognition prior to resection is paramount in avoiding excessive blood loss from tumor entry. Similar to arteriovenous malformations, hemangioblastoma surgical tenets include en bloc resection and preservation of the main draining veins until the last steps of the resection. Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome genetic workup is necessary is similar patients, as more than 25% of hemangioblastomas are associated with VHL tumor suppressor gene mutations in chromosome 3.2 The patient consented to the surgery and use of her photography. Image at 2:41 from Ueyama et al, Bridging veins on the tentorial surface of the cerebellum: a microsurgical anatomic study and operative considerations, Neurosurgery, 1998, 43(5),3 used with permission from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Two-Stage Double Petrosal Approach for the Total Resection of Petroclival-Cavernous Meningioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The utilization of skull base approaches has markedly facilitated the safe surgical removal of challenging petroclival meningiomas.1 The anterior petrosal approach has been utilized for tumors limited to the upper clivus, above the meatus, whereas the posterior petrosal approach has been the workhorse for the resection of larger tumors in the posterior fossa extending down the clivus.2 Giant cases with extension in the middle fossa, cavernous sinus, and ventral to the brain stem would benefit from a wider exposure than each of these approaches provide. This could be achieved by total petrosectomy. However, in patients with serviceable hearing anterior and posterior petrosals can be combined while preserving the hearing apparatus.2,3 This procedure is lengthy; hence, we tend to stage it in 2 subsequent days. The first stage is focused on the soft tissue and bone work including the mastoidectomy, sigmoid transverse sinus, and jugular bulb skeletonization, as well as anterior petrosectomy. The second stage is dedicated to tumor exposure through tentorial sectioning and microsurgical resection. We report the case of a 40-yr-old woman diagnosed with large left-sided petroclival meningioma with significant extension into the cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave. The patient had neurological deficits including cranial nerves, cerebellar dysfunction, and hydrocephalus, although her hearing was intact. Total tumor resection was achieved through the double petrosal approach in 2002. Extensive anatomic knowledge and thorough preoperative clinical and radiological evaluation, particularly the venous system, are key in the successful planning of this procedure. The patient consented for surgery and publication of their image. Figures at 2:40 and 3:47, ©Ossama Al-Mefty, used with permission.

Morphometric Comparison of the Pterional Trans-Sylvian and the Pretemporal Trans-Clinoidal Approaches to the Posterior Communicating Artery.

BACKGROUND: Posterior communicating (Pcom) aneurysms in the modern era have tended toward increased complexity and technical difficulties. The pretemporal approach is a valuable extension to the pterional approach for basilar apex aneurysms, but its advantages for Pcom aneurysms have not been previously elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To quantify characteristics of the pretemporal approach to the Pcom. METHODS: We dissected 6 cadaveric heads (12 sides) with a pretemporal transclinoidal approach and measured the following variables: (1) exposed length of internal carotid artery (ICA) proximal to the Pcom artery; (2) exposed circumference of ICA at the origin of Pcom; (3) deep working area between the optic nerve and tentorium/oculomotor nerve; (4) superficial working area; (5) exposure depth; and (6) the frontotemporal (superior posterolateral) and (7) orbito-sphenoidal (inferior anterolateral) angles of exposure. RESULTS: Compared with pterional craniotomy, the pretemporal transclinoidal approach increased the exposed length of the proximal ICA from 3.3 to 11.7 mm (P = .0001) and its circumference from 5.1 to 7.8 mm (P = .0003), allowing a 210° view of the ICA (vs 137.9°). The deep and superficial working areas also significantly widened from 53.7 to 92.4 mm2 (P = .0048) and 252.8 to 418.2 mm2 (P = .0001), respectively; the depth of the exposure was equivalent. The frontotemporal and spheno-Sylvian angles increased by 17° (P = .0006) and 10° (P = .0037), respectively. CONCLUSION: The pretemporal approach can be useful for complex Pcom aneurysms by providing easier proximal control, wider working space, improved aneurysm visualization, and more versatile clipping angles. Enhanced exposure results in a potentially higher rate of complete aneurysm obliteration and complication avoidance.

MHD effect on mixed convection of annulus circular enclosure filled with Non-Newtonian nanofluid.

The fluid flow and mixed convection heat transfer of a non-Newtonian (Cu-water) nanofluid-filled circular annulus enclosure in a magnetic field are investigated numerically for a two-dimensional, steady-state, incompressible, laminar flow using the Galerkin finite element method (GFEM). The Prandtl number (Pr = 6.2) and Grashof number (Gr = 100) are assumed to be constants, whereas the Richardson number varies within a range of 0 ≤ Ri ≤ 1, the Hartman number within a range of 0 ≤ Ha ≤60, the Power law index within a range of 0.2 ≤ n ≤ 1.4, and the volume fraction within a range of 0 ≤ φ ≤ 1. The enclosure consists of an outer rotating cylinder that is kept at a cold temperature (Tc) and an inner non-rotating cylinder kept at a hot temperature (Th). The ratio of the inner circular diameter to the annulus space length is kept constant at 2. The results depict that the stream function increases with increasing power law index, even up to n = 1, which causes the fluid to behave as a Newtonian fluid. The magnetic field has a critical impact on the fluid flow pattern. The average Nusselt number increases with decreasing Richardson number, owing to the improved heat transfer by forced convection.

A Pilot Comparison of Multispectral Fluorescence to Indocyanine Green Videoangiography and Other Modalities for Intraoperative Assessment in Vascular Neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for vascular imaging, but is not easily integrated into a continuous microsurgical environment. Other available modalities for intraoperative vascular assessment have their own limitations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate multispectral fluorescence (MFL), a new technology based on indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence, which may provide advantages over current intraoperative imaging modalities. METHODS: Cadaveric intracranial aneurysm models and turkey wing bypasses were created and tested with white light and micro-Doppler ultrasound, indocyanine green videoangiography (ICG-VA), MFL, and DSA in conditions mimicking surgery. Assessments with these modalities were scored by 7 neurosurgeons. RESULTS: DSA was significantly better than other modalities in evaluating the vasculature (P < .0001), but was significantly less ergonomic and efficient (P < .0001). MFL and ICG-VA were not significantly different from each other. Both were significantly better than white light/micro-Doppler ultrasound in assessing occlusion and patency (P ≤ .011), and both were better than DSA in ergonomics and efficiency (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: MFL performs similarly to ICG-VA in a laboratory setting. Further study will be required to determine whether it compares favorably in the operating room. While DSA is the standard for cerebrovascular visualization, MFL and ICG are significantly more ergonomic and efficient.

Rapid M1 Hemoclips Arteriotomy Repair After Emergency Coil Embolectomy.

BACKGROUND: The vascular closure staple clips have been studied in animal models and shown to have comparable results with sutured repair when it comes to the healing process, degree of vessel narrowing, and risk of thrombosis. However, they are clearly superior when the speed of application is taken into account, and they were clinically used in many vascular repair processes. Nevertheless, their usefulness in intracranial vascular surgery has not been described. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of hemoclips in fast and efficient repair of medium-sized and large intracranial vessels. METHODS: Two female patients diagnosed with giant symptomatic cavernous sinus aneurysms were undergoing elective endovascular procedures that were complicated by the dislodgement of coils into the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. Both patients were treated performing M1 arteriotomies and coil embolectomy. To avoid prolonged temporary occlusion in the M1 perforator's territory, the arteriotomies were repaired using microhemoclips in less than 10 min with re-establishment of flow. RESULTS: In both patients, flow was re-established in the M1 segments. In 1 patient, the coils extended to the temporal M2 causing intimal injury and leading to diminished flow. M1 segments in both patients were patent on later angiographic studies. CONCLUSION: We describe the advantage of emergent cerebrovascular arteriotomy and embolectomy in a rapid repair process that helped avoid massive ischemic injury. We believe this technique should be added to the armamentarium of neurosurgical cerebrovascular options.

Biocompatible Amniotic Sac Implant Maintains a Scar-Free Brain Surface During Recurrent Glioma Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dissection of brain surface adhesions during recurrent glioma surgery carries a risk of injury to cortical vessels and important surface vessels. We present our experience with the use of BioD film, a biocompatible amniotic membrane implant, to help prevent postoperative adhesions. We describe a novel method for preventing postoperative adhesions after high-grade glioma surgery using BioD film. METHODS: Amniotic sac implants were laid on the brain surface after resection of gliomas located near major surface arteries (sylvian fissure) and major veins (parasagittal convexity). Seven cases involved reoperation for tumor recurrence. RESULTS: In all 7 of the cases requiring reoperation, a new arachnoid-like surface layer was formed without any dural adhesions. The newly formed layer allowed for easy and simple dissection and mobilization of surface vessels while avoiding any trauma to the cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic sac implants have a promising role in preventing most surgical brain adhesions associated with recurrent glioma surgery, reducing the risks of cortical vessel and tissue injury.