Resection of Brainstem Arteriovenous Malformations: Pearls and Pitfalls for Minimizing Complications.

BACKGROUND: The decision-making process surrounding resection of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in proximity to vital brainstem structures is a complex topic. Intricate vasculature in the setting of exquisite brainstem eloquence creates a high-risk operative landscape with the potential for devastating complications. Effective resections are driven by mastery of the relevant operative anatomy, preservation of pertinent vasculature, and technical experience and acumen. METHODS: This article provides a narrative literature review on the resection of brainstem AVMs. RESULTS: Operative anatomy and approaches to AVMs of the midbrain (anterior/posterior), pons (anterior/lateral), and medulla (anterior/lateral) are discussed herein, with a focus on pearls and pitfalls for minimizing complications during resection. CONCLUSIONS: Careful consideration of the patient's clinical background, the natural history of the lesion, and expertise of the treating surgeon are paramount for improving the natural course of brainstem AVMs.

Huge hydrocephalus: definition, management, and complications.

OBJECTIVE: Lack of comprehensive knowledge and numerous socioeconomic problems may make the parents leave hydrocephalic children untreated, leading to progressive hydrocephalus and eventual unordinary big head. Management of huge hydrocephalus (HH) differs from common hydrocephalus. We present our experience in the management of these children. METHODS: HH is defined as head circumference larger than the height of the infant. Nine infants with HH have been shunted in Children's Hospital Medical Center and followed up for 0.5 to 7 years. RESULTS: The most common cause of hydrocephalus was aqueductal stenosis. The mean age of patients during shunting was 3 months. The head circumference ranged from 56 to 94 cm with the average of 67 cm. Cognitive statuses were appropriate based on their age in five patients. Motor development was normal only in one patient. Complications were found in most cases which included subdural effusion (six patients), shunt infection (four patients), skin injury (three patients), proximal catheter coming out of ventricle to the subdural space (two patients), and shunt exposure (one patient). Three patients died due to shunt infection and sepsis. CONCLUSION: Numerous complications may occur in patients with HH after shunt operation such as subdural effusion, ventricular collapse, electrolyte disturbance, skull deformity, scalp injury, and shunt infection. Mental and motor disabilities are very common in patients with HH. Many of these complications can be related to overdrainage; therefore, drainage control using programmable shunts is advisable.

Iniencephaly: clinical, radiological and surgical findings.

The authors report a case of iniencephaly in a 6-year-old boy with a huge occipital bone defect and encephalocele, extensive spina bifida of the cervical vertebrae and fixed retroflexion of the head due to Sprengel's deformity. He presented with some cerebellar and cranial nerve symptoms and new episodes of neck pain and drop attacks. Brain imaging confirmed progressive deformity of the brain stem, cerebellar herniation into the encephalocele sac and ventriculomegaly. Surgical repair of the encephalocele was performed with preservation of all herniated cerebellar tissue and the release of thick arachnoid adhesions to make more space to return the herniated neural tissue from the sac to the cranium. The patient was found to have progressive facial palsy and intracranial hypertension 3 days after surgery, which improved with ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Iniencephaly is generally a fatal anomaly, and only 7 such patients have been reported to have survived. Because of the fatality of this anomaly, prenatal diagnosis of iniencephly and pregnancy termination are important. The patient presented herein is only the second patient with iniencephaly and encephalocele to be operated on. The severity of associated systemic and cranial abnormalities is fundamental with regard to survival. Essential points for surgery are preparing enough space to save herniated functional neural tissues, management of associated hydrocephalus and brain stem rotation/compression due to decreased postoperative space. In the surviving child, early correction of Sprengel's deformity would provide a better aesthetic position of the neck with preservation of brachial plexus integrity.