Acute spinal hematoma during pregnancy: A case report.

Background: Spontaneous spinal subdural-epidural hematoma during pregnancy is rare. Case Description: A 29-year-old gravida II patient experienced the onset of vomiting, headache, and progressive paraparesis. The initial non-contrast brain computed tomography and coagulation profiles were negative. The next day, the spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a C7-T4 epidural hematoma; contrast studies revealed no accompanying vascular lesions. On day 3, she underwent a cesarean delivery followed by a C3-T1 laminectomy. Her sensory and sphincteric function returned on postoperative day 2, but at 6 postoperative months, she continued to exhibit a 3/5 paraparesis. Conclusion: Pregnant patients with acute paraparesis should undergo STAT MRI screening of the spine to look for epidural/subdural hematomas.

"Pediatric Spontaneous Intracranial Dissecting Aneurysms: Impact of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Manifestations on Endovascular Treatment Strategies - Insights from a Developing World Setting".

BACKGROUND: Pediatric spontaneous intracranial dissecting aneurysms are rare, but systematic studies comparing hemorrhagic and ischemic presentations are lacking. This study addresses gaps in understanding their epidemiology, clinical presentation, management, and outcome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 23 pediatric patients with nontraumatic intracranial dissecting aneurysms treated between July 2018 and December 2023 was conducted. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on presentation: hemorrhagic (n = 16) and ischemic (n = 7). Clinical data were analyzed, including demographics, radiologic findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes. RESULTS: Clinical presentations varied, with limb weakness being more prevalent in hemorrhagic cases (P = 0.014), while headache and seizures were more common in ischemic cases. Angiographic analysis revealed distinct patterns, with hemorrhagic cases showing more distal involvement on vessel segments with stenosis and dilatation (pearl string sign). At the same time, the ischemic group exhibited the double-lumen sign. Various treatments, including microsurgery and endovascular techniques, were utilized, with perioperative complications observed, including one mortality in a hemorrhagic case. Multiple regression analysis identified significant risk factors for perioperative complications, namely, the configuration of the dissecting aneurysm (P = 0.016) and the type of presentation (P = 0.0006). Long-term Glasgow Outcome Scores were comparable, but patients with hemorrhagic manifestations experienced prolonged hospital and ICU stays (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric intracranial dissecting aneurysms, particularly hemorrhagic cases, are associated with severe neurologic deficits and higher perioperative complications. Despite similar long-term outcomes, hemorrhagic cases require prolonged hospitalization, increasing treatment costs. Optimizing management strategies for pediatric intracranial dissecting aneurysms, especially those with hemorrhagic features, is essential to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditures.

Unlocking the Battle-Clipping vs. Endovascular Therapy for Shunt-Dependent Hydrocephalus After Aneurysm Rupture: An In-Depth Institutional Analysis.

AIM: To compare microsurgical clipping and endovascular therapy (EVT) for the management of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDH) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and hydrocephalus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from July 2018 to December 2022 and included 67 patients with SAH accompanied by acute hydrocephalus. Patients' demographic, clinical, and radiological data, such as age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, Hunt and Hess scale, Fischer grade, external ventricular drain (EVD) duration, complications, Ommaya reservoir placement, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and outcomes, were obtained. Statistical analyses, including univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression, revealed significant risk factors for shunt dependence. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients, 33 underwent microsurgical clipping and 34 received EVT. Spasmolysis reduced shunt dependency, whereas early EVD placement correlated with reduced shunt dependence (p=0.002). The Ommaya reservoir helped in the management of meningitis but was found to be associated with shunt dependency (p=0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that perioperative infarct was a significant risk factor for shunt dependence (p=0.05). No significant difference in patient outcomes was observed between the two treatment groups. However, patients who received EVT had shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays. CONCLUSION: This study shows that managing clinical vasospasm with spasmolysis may reduce shunt dependency. Overall, both microsurgical clipping and EVT offer similar long-term outcomes and efficacy in preventing shunt dependence, but the latter has the advantage of shorter hospital stay. These findings provide crucial insights for clinical decision-making and patient care in SDH after SAH.

Spontaneous thrombosis and calcification of giant cavernous carotid artery aneurysm: A rare case and management insights.

Background: Giant cavernous carotid artery aneurysms (>25 mm) are rare (3-5%), with some prone to spontaneous thrombosis (10-20% complete). We present a unique case of one of the largest aneurysms spontaneously thrombosing and calcifying. Case Description: A 57-year-old with persistent right-sided headaches had a substantial hyperdense mass in the right middle cranial fossa, eroding petrous bone. Magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography revealed a giant cavernous segment fusiform aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) with spontaneous thrombosis and distal ICA occlusion. Collateral circulation maintains the cerebral blood supply. Despite anatomical challenges, conservative management was chosen due to the patient's stability. Conclusion: This case highlights the complex interplay between thrombosed giant aneurysms and affected vessels, with unique features such as cross-flow, calcification, and bone erosion. We advocate conservative management for stable cases, supported by literature, emphasizing vigilant follow-up. This expands the spectrum of aneurysm presentations and encourages further research into their dynamics.

Endovascular glue embolization of the medial posterior choroidal artery aneurysm: A case report and a literature review.

Background: The medial posterior choroidal artery (MPCA) aneurysm is extremely uncommon. Thus yet, just a few cases have been reported. Due to the deep position, narrow lumen, fragile walls, and extensive tortuosity, both endovascular and microsurgical procedures are strictly limited. A case study of successful endovascular glue embolization of a left MPCA aneurysm and a literature review is included in this report. Case Description: A 17-year-old female arrived at our institution 2 days after suffering a major intraventricular hemorrhage with a minor subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a left MPCA aneurysm. The patient underwent a successful endovascular glue embolization and had a favorable functional outcome. Conclusion: Endovascular glue embolization yielded favorable clinical and angiographic results in MPCA aneurysms where microcatheter access and maneuverability are challenging.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Scalp Tumor: A Short-Term Institutional Experience with Literature Review.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of the scalp is rare. These lesions are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), but patients had been reported without NF1 also. We tried to analyze the difference between the clinical course and outcome of the patient with MPNST having stigmata of NF1 and without it. We included five patients treated over 3 years between July 2018 and July 2021 with diffuse scalp MPNST. Two of these five patients with MPNST of the scalp had neurocutaneous stigmata of NF1. Three were female and two males with an average age of 38.40 ± 18.48 years-the youngest with NF1 being a 19-year-old female. We found dull aching pain as the most typical complaint in all patients and a repeated episode of generalized seizure in one patient. In these cases, two patients with NF1 have highly vascular tumors and attained large sizes greater than 30 cm. These two cases required preoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and embolization with n-butyl acrylate. Total excision of the tumor was done in all patients with radiotherapy. Metastases within 1 year were noted in two patients with NF1, and one of these two succumbed to her illness. The rest of the three patients without NF1 are under follow-up with no evidence of disease with a maximum follow-up of 2 years. Large MPNST (size > 20 cm) are rare and reported to have been associated with and without NF1. Patients with scalp MPNST with NF1 can achieve larger size with fast progression of tumor size and higher chances of recurrence and metastases.

Spontaneous Cervicothoracic Extradural Hematoma with Rare Presentation in Pediatric Patient with Stroke-Like Features in Association with COVID-19, Presenting as Management Dillemma.

Presentation of cervico-thoracic extradural hematoma in pediatric age is rare with stroke-like features. Its association with COVID-19 in the active stage of the disease had not been reported and its management presents a management dilemma as COVID-19 with stroke-like features. A 14-year-old boy was referred to our institute with complaints of sudden-onset upper and middle back pain, associated with loss of sensation below the middle of the back, sudden progressive weakness of both lower limbs (power 0/5) and upper limbs (power grade-2/5), and incontinence of urine, following bouts of vomiting 12 days back. There was no history of trauma, bleeding diathesis, etc. Blood investigation was suggestive of leukocytosis, and RT-PCR test for COVID-19 was positive with raised D-dimer, serum ferritin, and C-reactive protein. MRI spine was suggestive of cervicothoracic extradural hematoma extending from C5-D3 level and compressing the spinal cord. The patient refused surgical decompression and was managed conservatively, following which he improved with power grade in limbs to 4/5. Surgical decompression is the treatment of choice but the patient can sometimes improve on medical management. Association of COVID-19 with spontaneous cervicothoracic extradural hematoma had not been reported earlier in the active stage, but its role in inducing vasculopathy and increased chances of bleeding at the uncommon site had been reported in the literature, and it may precipitate such cervical epidural hematoma.

Management dilemma in a rare case of pituitary apoplexy with akinetic mutism in the setting of ruptured junctional brain aneurysm: A case report and literature review.

Backgound: Pituitary apoplexy is associated with stroke, head injury, and brain tumors. Still, its presentation due to the ruptured aneurysm is rare and its presentation with akinetic mutism has not been reported. Case Description: The patient in the present study is 21-year-old female who presented in our emergency department in an altered sensorium with Glasgow comma score (GCS) E2V1M1. She was intubated and resuscitated. Routine blood investigations, lipid profile, and hormonal studies were normal. Initial noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) head revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the interhemispheric fissure and evidence of bleeding in the pituitary gland. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain was soon done, which showed an infarct and hemorrhage in the pituitary gland; there was an evidence of an infarct in the bilateral medial frontal gyrus, basal ganglia, and supplementary motor area. MR arteriography revealed an aneurysm at the left A1-anterior communicating artery (Acom) junction directed superomedially with diffuse spasm in a bilateral anterior cerebral artery. Pterional craniotomy was done with clipping of the aneurysm and evacuation of blood clots from the interhemispheric fissure and pituitary gland. Histopathology features suggestive of the non-functioning pituitary tumor with interspersed hemorrhagic necrosis. Intraarterial vasodilation with microcatheter injection was given, but vasospasm did not improve. Postoperatively, Levodopa was started. She used to track objects in front of her eye and started nodding her head in "yes and no fashion," with power in limbs improved to 3/5 at 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Pituitary apoplexy with ruptured A1-Acom junction aneurysm with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma is rare, and its presentation with akinetic mutism has not been reported. As there is scarce literature suggesting an association between pituitary apoplexy and ruptured aneurysm, it is challenging to comment regarding its pathogenesis. Although akinetic mutism generally has a poor prognosis, it may respond to Levodopa with a better outcome.

Post Traumatic Hydrocephalus in Indian Subpopulation: An Institutional Experience.

AIM: To identify subgroups of cases with ventriculomegaly who will benefit from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures, n patients with post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH), and to identify the risk factors for its development to minimize its occurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 500 head injury cases who were admitted over a one and a half year period in our institute with PTH, to assess them for treatment benefit by CSF diversion procedures and associated risk factors for its development. The patients were assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 had ventriculomegaly with periventricular lucency (PVL), and raised intracranial pressure (ICP) 2.1% (10/500). Group 2 had ventriculomegaly with PVL, and normal opening pressure 1.75% (7/500) and Group three had no ventriculomegaly 95.75% (483/500). RESULTS: The incidence of radiological PTH in this study was 3.4% (17/500), and it developed after an average interval of 16.43 ± 23.7 (SD) in Group 1 and 19.76 ± 8.9 (SD) weeks in Group 2. Lower Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) (p < 0.001), decompressive craniotomy (p < 0.001) and requirement for prolonged ventilatory support (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the development of PTH. Significantly better results were found in cases with PTH and high opening CSF pressure (? 15 mmHg) on Lumbar puncture (p < 0.001). Decompressive craniotomy cases required significantly more shunt revisions compared to conservatively managed cases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CSF diversion procedures help to improve ventriculomegaly cases with documented evidence of raised ICP but not in cases without raised ICP. The subgroup of PTH, which cannot be treated by CSF diversion procedures, can only be managed by minimizing many of the risk factors for its development. In cases with severe head injury, a low GCS, and prolonged ICU stay, decompressive craniotomy should be used judiciously. The duration of mechanical ventilation should be minimized and combined with necessary measures to improve GCS.

Comparative outcome of endovascular embolization with microsurgery in managing acute spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage in pediatric patients, an institutional experience.

OBJECTIVES: A few previous studies have reported the role of embolization with curative intent in the treatment of the early phase of a spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage in pediatric patients, and its efficacy needs to be compared with surgery at the same time risk factors for hemorrhage following early embolization in such patients need to be evaluated. METHODS: From a pool of 80 pediatric (< 18 years) who had undergone treatment for ruptured AVM with hemorrhage at our center between July 2018 and July 2022, we identified 36 patients with spontaneous bleeding due to AVM. Out of which, 20 were treated solely by embolization (group 1), while the remaining patients were treated surgically (with and without adjuvant embolization) (group 2). RESULT: Spetzler-Martin's grading of the lesion suggested seven lesions < 3 and 13 lesions ≥ 3 in the embolization group. Similarly, seven lesions were < 3 and nine ≥ 3 Spetzler-Martin grade in the surgery group. Incomplete embolization was associated with hemorrhage in two patients treated with curative intent and four patients treated with embolization as adjuvant in the surgery group (p = 0.01). On follow-up, 18 patients in the embolization group and 12 in the surgery group had Glasgow outcome scores ≥ 4 (p = 0.273). CONCLUSION: In the pediatric age group, incomplete embolization is the significant risk factor for hemorrhage in AVMs treated after a hemorrhagic stroke. Embolization with curative intent is as effective as surgery in treating such lesions as adjuvant embolization with careful patient selection.

Comparative Analysis of Clipping and Endovascular Therapy Outcomes in the Treatment of Ruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms.

AIM: To compare the outcomes of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysm treatment using endovascular therapy (EVT) and surgical clipping, and to assess their risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively sampled and analyzed 31 patients treated for ruptured Distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms from a larger sample of 250 patients treated for ruptured aneurysms between July 2018 and July 2021. The outcomes of patients who underwent clipping and EVT were compared using chi-square tests. T-tests were used for univariate analysis and a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors affecting outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 20 were treated with clipping and 11 with EVT. Patients treated with EVT had a mean age of 35.45 ± 6.66. The mean age of the clipping group was 44.4 ± 6.94 years (p=0.002). Intraoperative rupture was significantly more common in the clipping group (p=0.025). There were no significant differences in the postoperative incidence of vasospasm or hydrocephalus (p=0.12). Modified Rankin Scale scores (p=0.017) and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores (p=0.02) both at discharge and 6-month follow-ups were significantly better in the EVT group than in the clipping group. Length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was 9.27 ± 2.6 days following EVT and 23.60 ± 6.29 following clipping (p=0.001). Age (p=0.0136), Hunt and Hess grade (p=0.02), and the occurrence of intraprocedural rupture (p=0.009) were found to significantly affect outcomes. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of EVT were better than those for clipping and required a shorter stay in the ICU and the hospital. This may be partially attributable to the dual-trained neurovascular surgeon who performed the procedures. Older age, poorer Hunt and Hess grades, and intraoperative aneurysm rupture adversely affected outcomes.

COVID19-induced immunosuppression and aggressive progression of primary cranial vault lymphoma presenting as a management challenge, a case report, and a literature review.

Background: We needs to study Primary Large cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the cranial vault, which is rare, and its association with COVID19 has not been reported, which may have an immunosuppressive effect to aggravate its progression. Patient details: Our patient, a 53-year-old male, noticed fast growth of posterior cranial vault lesion from 2 to 10 cm size in last 6 months after COVID 19 affliction. MRI brain with contrast revealed lesions suggesting meningioma. The whole-body PET scan was normal. Following Subtotal excision of the mass, histopathology revealed large B-cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (DLBCL). Immunohistochemistry showed positive results for CD10, CD20, CD45 (LCA), ALK, and BCL-VE with a Ki-67 index of 90-95%. Following radiotherapy and chemotherapy patient is disease-free on imaging and doing well at 5 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Early intervention with excisional biopsy and timely chemo and radiotherapy in favorable immunostaining may add survival benefits even in malignant features induced by immunosuppressing diseases such as COVID19 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the scalp.

Role of Ommaya Reservoir Placement in Hydrocephalus Management following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, an Initial Experience / Papel da colocação do reservatório de Ommaya no tratamento da hidrocefalia após hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática, uma experiência inicial

Introduction Weaning from external ventricular drainage (EVD) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in hydrocephalus induced by aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) had been proposed either through the rapid, gradual or intermittent approaches. There are no uniform guidelines for it. Given this, we planned to study the comparative outcome between EVD drainage with intermittent clamping versus EDV followed by Ommaya reservoir. Material and Methods The present retrograde observational study was conducted from July 2018 to March 2021 in the department of neurosurgery with 67 patients who developed hydrocephalus following SAH after aneurysm rupture. We divided the patients into two groups. Group 1 had only EVD placed for CSF drainage with intermittent clamping before the placement of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, and, in group 2, an Ommaya reservoir was placed after EVD before the shunt. Result There were 38 patients in group 1 and 29 in group 2. They were age-matched, with a mild male predominance in group 1. Shunt dependency was significantly reduced in group 2 patients (p » 0.011), along with reduced length of stay in ICU (p » 0,001) and length of stay in Hospital (p » 0.019). We found improved Glasgow outcome score in group 2 patients (p » 0.006) together with reduced incidence of infarct (p » 0.0095). Conclusion We may infer from the present study that continuous drainage through EVD, initially, in hydrocephalus induced by SAH following aneurysm rupture, increases cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and decreases intracranial pressure (ICP) leading to decreased infarct rate and intermittent drainage through Ommaya following EVD reservoir, decreases shunt dependency, reduces ICU and hospital stay, with improved Glasgow outcome score on follow-up, but these findings need to be validated in a prospective randomized control trial.

Introdução O desmame da drenagem ventricular externa (DVE) do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) na hidrocefalia induzida por hemorragia subaracnóidea aneurismática (HSA) foi proposto pelas abordagens rápida, gradual ou intermitente. Não há diretrizes uniformes para isso. Diante disso, planejamos estudar o resultado comparativo entre drenagem DVE com pinçamento intermitente versus DVE seguido de reservatório de Ommaya. Materiais e métodos O presente estudo observacional retrógrado foi realizado de julho de 2018 a março de 2021 no departamento de neurocirurgia com 67 pacientes que desenvolveram hidrocefalia após HSA consequente de ruptura de aneurisma. Dividimos os pacientes em dois grupos. O grupo 1 teve apenas DVE colocado para drenagem do líquor com pinçamento intermitente antes da colocação da derivação ventrículo-peritoneal (VP) e, no grupo 2, um reservatório de Ommaya foi colocado após a DVE antes da derivação. Resultado Havia 38 pacientes no grupo 1 e 29 no grupo 2. Eles eram pareados por idade, com leve predominância do sexo masculino no grupo 1. A dependência de shunt foi significativamente reduzida nos pacientes do grupo 2 (p » 0,011), juntamente com menor tempo de internação na UTI (p » 0,001) e tempo de permanência no Hospital (p » 0,019). Encontramos melhora no escore de Glasgow nos pacientes do grupo 2 (p » 0,006) juntamente com redução da incidência de infarto (p » 0,0095). Conclusão Podemos inferir do presente estudo que a drenagem contínua por DVE, inicialmente, na hidrocefalia induzida por HSA após ruptura de aneurisma, aumenta a pressão de perfusão cerebral (PPC) e diminui a pressão intracraniana (PIC) levando à diminuição da taxa de infarto e drenagem intermitente por Ommaya após DVE reservatório, diminui a dependência do shunt, reduz a permanência na UTI e no hospital, com melhora do escore de Glasgow no acompanhamento, mas esses achados precisam ser validados em um estudo prospectivo randomizado de controle.

Primary pituitary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that involves any organ. However, the primary pituitary tuberculosis is an extremely rare disease. Intracranial tuberculomas account for 0.15-5% of intracranial space-occupying lesions, of which, pituitary as the primary site is unusual, and easily misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma. In this setting, the late diagnosis can result in permanent endocrine dysfunction. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented to the neurosurgery outpatient department with complaints of progressively increasing headache and diminished vision over the last year. On the clinical examination, the patient was conscious and oriented. The routine hematological and biochemical workup showed an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and increased prolactin levels. The radiological working diagnosis was consistent with pituitary macroadenoma. No other radiological and/or clinical clue that could elicit the suspicion of pulmonary or extrapulmonary lesions of tuberculosis was found. The transsphenoidal endonasal tumor excision was done. The histopathology showed numerous epithelioid cell granulomas, Langhans giant cells along with scant necrosis. Ziehl Neelsen staining demonstrated acid-fast bacilli, and the final diagnosis of pituitary tuberculoma was made. We report this rare case of pituitary lesion that may be included in the differential diagnosis of sellar lesions to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.

Giant Calcified Cavernous Hemangioma Managed with Modified Double Concentric Craniotomy.

Giant calcified cavernous hemangioma is uncommon, and calvarial invasion with intracranial extension and dural breach is rare. Radiological resemblance to lesions like meningioma is unreported. Surgical excision of such lesions is technically challenging. A 35-year-old female presented with recurrent generalized tonic-clonic seizures for 2 years. Imaging suggested a highly vascular lesion arising from the skull, mimicking intraosseous meningioma, sarcoma, metastases, and so on. Double concentric craniotomy was done with lifting of bones separately around sinuses with radial cuts of dura to visualize tumor-cortical interface to safeguard neurovascular structures, and complete excision was achieved. Histopathology was suggestive of calcified cavernous hemangioma. The patient was asymptomatic at 1 year of follow-up.Differentiating angiomatous and intraosseous meningioma from calcifying giant hemangioma and other mimicking lesions may be difficult on imaging. Modified double concentric craniotomy, although used uncommonly, can be a useful technique safeguarding the neurovascular structures in its proximity.

Analysis of Giant Intraventricular and Extraventricular Epidermoids, Defining Risk Factors for Recurrence, an Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: Multicompartmental intraventricular epidermoids behave differently from multicompartmental extraventricular lesions and localized lesions during its management. Few studies are available which have analyzed risk factors separately in these groups of cases for recurrence of these lesions and time to recur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, 72 cases of intracranial epidermoid were treated over a span of 7 years. Cases were categorized into three groups. Group 1 comprised 15% (11/72) of cases with intraventricular multicompartmental, Group 2 with 22% (16/72) extraventricular giant tumors with multicompartmental involvement and size >4.5 cm, and Group 3 comprised 63% (45/72) of patients with lesions <4.5 cm and localized. Data pertaining to demography, clinical and radiological features, surgery performed, postoperative complication, histology, and follow-up were obtained from medical records available in the institute. RESULTS: The average duration to treat was 1.86 ± 0.52 (standard deviation [SD]) years, with headache as a major complaint in all the groups. Combined endoscope-assisted microsurgery was performed in 38.8% (28/72), microsurgery in 54.1% (39/72), and endoscopic excision in 6.9% (5/72) of cases. Tumor calcification was found in 23.6% (17/72) and preoperative capsular enhancement was seen in 19.4% (14/72) which persisted in 79% (11/14) of cases postoperatively on subsequent follow-up suggesting recurrence. On stepwise logistic regression analysis, preoperative capsular enhancement was a strong predictor of recurrence of tumor (P = 0.001). The average follow-up was 46 ± 14.92 (SD) months in Group 1, 52.34 ± 11.45 (SD) months in Group 2, and 63.36 ± 18.42 (SD) months in Group 3. CONCLUSION: Although the intracranial epidermoid is known to recur after long interval, tumor with specific characteristics can recur in short span of 5-6 years. Tumor characteristics such as preoperative capsular enhancement, multicompartmental distribution in vertebrobasilar territory, large size, and presence of calcification are strong predictors for recurrence. Performing endoscope-assisted microsurgery can decrease the postoperative morbidities but does not reduce the recurrence risk.

Modification of neurosurgical practice during corona pandemic: Our experience at AIIMS patna and long term guidelines.

BACKGROUND: First case of covid-19 was confirmed on 30th January 2020 in India. Our state, Bihar reported its first confirmed case of covid on 22nd march 2020 at AIIMS Patna. For safety, Electives surgeries and outpatient department was suspended temporary since 25th March. Standard operating procedure (SOP) was framed for covid suspected, covid positive and negative patients. Neurosurgery department formulated their own strategy for successful and covid free management of neurosurgical patients along with zero transmission rate among doctors and staff. METHODS: All Neurosurgical patients who got attended, admitted and operated from 25th March to 30th June 2020 (Period of lockdown) were taken in this study. Categorizations of the patients were done according to the urgency and elective nature of pathology after corona screening and RT-PCR testing of covid-19. A proper training to all neurosurgical staff and residents were given for management of patients (admission to operation to discharge). RESULTS: Total 133 patients were attended and 90 were admitted. We operated 76 cases (major - 52, minor - 24) during the lockdown period. Out of this 2 were corona positive (both eventually succumbed) and rest 74 was corona negative. One patient who was operated with corona negative report became positive after 10 days of surgery inward. All the residents, faculty and nursing staff remain asymptomatic throughout the lockdown period with zero infection rate and zero transmission rate. CONCLUSION: Following a properly made standard operating procedure and strictly implementing it can avoid any type of misadventure in neurosurgery during corona pandemic.

Primary pituitary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that involves any organ. However, the primary pituitary tuberculosis is an extremely rare disease. Intracranial tuberculomas account for 0.15-5% of intracranial space-occupying lesions, of which, pituitary as the primary site is unusual, and easily misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma. In this setting, the late diagnosis can result in permanent endocrine dysfunction. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented to the neurosurgery outpatient department with complaints of progressively increasing headache and diminished vision over the last year. On the clinical examination, the patient was conscious and oriented. The routine hematological and biochemical workup showed an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and increased prolactin levels. The radiological working diagnosis was consistent with pituitary macroadenoma. No other radiological and/or clinical clue that could elicit the suspicion of pulmonary or extrapulmonary lesions of tuberculosis was found. The transsphenoidal endonasal tumor excision was done. The histopathology showed numerous epithelioid cell granulomas, Langhans giant cells along with scant necrosis. Ziehl Neelsen staining demonstrated acid-fast bacilli, and the final diagnosis of pituitary tuberculoma was made. We report this rare case of pituitary lesion that may be included in the differential diagnosis of sellar lesions to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.

A case series of 12 patients with incidental asymptomatic Dandy-Walker syndrome and management.

PURPOSE: Incidentally detected asymptomatic Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is sparsely reported in literature at extremes of age (from 1 to 75 years) in association with different diseases. Precipitating factors causing DWS in these cases to manifest in late adulthood are still unidentified. We tried to hypothesize the aetiology and the natural course of disease based on review of literature MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve cases of asymptomatic DWS were selected retrospectively in this study while being treated for some unrelated disease over a period of 15 years. RESULTS: All the cases had vermian hypoplasia with sizeable fourth ventricular cyst (more than 3 cm), large posterior fossa and with no or borderline ventriculomegaly on CT/MRI. The age ranged from 1 to 65 years. Five cases presented with head injury and four cases presented with enlarged head size with suboccipital protuberance (noticed in children more than 5 years). Remaining cases presented with either occipital encephalocele or right trigeminal neuralgia or fixed atlantoaxial dislocation. They were asymptomatic for DWS following treatment of the presenting complaints on follow-up of average duration of 4.5 years. CONCLUSION: Presentation at extremes of age signifies that slow degenerative changes in communicating channels between fourth ventricular cyst and surrounding basal cisterns may cause asymptomatic DWS to manifest, but cases having good communication between these structures can remain asymptomatic throughout their life.