Microanatomic Morphometric Characteristics of the Third Ventricle Floor.

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an effective treatment for hydrocephalus. The in-depth understanding of microanatomy is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment and complications prevention. The aim of this study is to supplement the knowledge gap regarding the microanatomical metrics and correlations for which the literature includes only scarce mentions at best. Methods: This is a descriptive microanatomical study including 25 cadaver brains. Specimens from donors with neurological, psychiatric disorders or alcohol abuse were excluded. Surgical loops were used for harvesting. High-precision tools were employed to dissect and measure the anatomical landmarks under a surgical microscope. Each measurement was performed in three consecutive attempts and outliers were rejected. RStudio was used for statistical analysis. Distribution was evaluated employing the Shapiro-Wilk test. Normally distributed values were presented as mean and standard deviation, and others as median and interquartile range. Results: The age of the donors was 61.72 (±10.08) years. The distance from the anterior aspect of the foramen of Monro to the anterior margin of the mamillary body was 16.83 (±1.04) mm, and to the posterior margin was 16.76 (±1.9) mm. The distance from the anterior mamillary body margin to the infundibulum was 6.39 (±1.9) mm, to the optic recess was 8.25 (±1.84) mm, and to the apex of the vertebral artery was 5.05 (±1.62) mm. The distance from the anterior commissure to the brain aqueduct was 22.46 (±2.29) mm, and to the infundibulum was 13.93 (±2.54) mm. The mamillary body diameter was 4.91 (±0.34) mm in the anteroposterior and 4.21 (±0.48) mm in the cranio-caudal plane. The intraventricular segment was protruding by 1.63 (±0.46) mm. The diameter of the hypothalamus on the anterior margin of mamillary bodies was 1.37 (±0.75) mm, of the Liliequist membrane was 0.19 (±0.07) mm and of the lamina terminalis was 0.35 (±0.32) mm. Conclusion: The presented microanatomical measurements and correlations are expected to contribute to the improvement of ETV safety.

Comparison of the prognostic value of coma scales among health-care professionals: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) Score and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), investigating whether they are comparable in predicting short- and long-term functional outcome and if their predictive ability remains unaffected by the raters' background and experience. METHODS: Patients treated in the Neurosurgery Department and the Intensive Care Unit in need for consciousness monitoring were assessed between October 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2020, by four raters (two consultants, a resident and a nurse) using the two scales on admission and at discharge. Outcome was recorded at discharge and at 6 months. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were calculated for the prediction of mortality and poor outcome, and the identification of coma. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were included. AUCs values were > 0.860 for all outcomes and raters. No significant differences were noted between the two scales. Raters' experience did not affect the scales' predictive value. Both scales showed excellent accuracy in identifying comatose patients (AUCs > 0.950). The difference between admission and discharge values was not a reliable predictor. CONCLUSION: Both the FOUR Score and GCS are reliable predictors of short- and long-term outcome, with no clear superiority among them. The application of the FOUR Score by inexperienced raters is equally reliable, without influencing negatively the predictive value.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Homeostasis and Hydrodynamics: A Review of Facts and Theories.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: According to the classical hypothesis, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is actively secreted inside the brain's ventricular system, predominantly by the choroid plexuses, before flowing unidirectionally in a cranio-caudal orientation toward the arachnoid granulations (AGs), where it is reabsorbed into the dural venous sinuses. This concept has been accepted as a doctrine for more than 100 years and was subjected only to minor modifications. Its inability to provide an adequate explanation to questions arising from the everyday clinical practice, in addition to the ever growing pool of experimental data contradicting it, has led to the identification of its limitations. Literature includes an increasing number of studies suggesting a more complex mechanism than that previously described. This review article summarizes the proposed mechanisms of CSF regulation, referring to the key clinical and experimental developments supporting or defying them. METHODS: A non-systematical literature search of the major databases was performed for studies on the mechanisms of CSF homeostasis. Gray literature was additionally assessed employing a hand-search technique. No restrictions were imposed regarding the time, language, or type of publication. CONCLUSION: CSF secretion and absorption are expected to take place throughout the entire brain's capillaries network under the regulation of hydrostatic and osmotic gradients. The unidirectional flow is defied, highlighting the possibility of its complete absence. The importance of AGs is brought into question, potentiating the significance of the lymphatic system as the primary site of reabsorption. However, the definition of hydrocephalus and its treatment strategies remain strongly associated with the classical hypothesis.

Clinimetric study and review of the Reaction Level Scale.

OBJECTIVES: Although the Reaction Level Scale (RLS) is still used for the assessment of the level of consciousness in distinct centers, its clinical characteristics and significance have been incompletely researched. In the current study, the clinimetric properties, the prognostic value, and the impact of the raters' background on the application of the RLS, in comparison with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), are investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review on the available clinical evidence for the RLS was first carried out. Next, the RLS was translated into Greek, and patients with neurosurgical pathologies in need of consciousness monitoring were independently assessed with both RLS and GCS, by four raters (two consultants, one resident, and one nurse) within one hour. Interrater reliability, construct validity, and predictive value (mortality and poor outcome, at discharge and at 6 months) were evaluated. RESULTS: Literature review retrieved 9 clinimetric studies related to the RLS, most of low quality, indicating that the scale has not been thoroughly studied. Both versions of the RLS (original and modified) showed high interrater reliability (κw >0.80 for all pairs of raters), construct validity (Spearman's p > .90 for all raters), and prognostic value (areas under the curve >0.85 for all raters and outcomes). However, except for broader patients' coverage, it failed to show any advantage over the GCS. CONCLUSIONS: The RLS has not succeeded in showing any advantage over the GCS in terms of reliability and validity. Available evidence cannot justify its use in clinical practice as a substitute to the widely applied GCS.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Greek Version of the "Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Score": A Prospective Observational Clinimetric Study in Neurosurgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score is a clinical instrument for the assessment of consciousness which is gradually gaining ground in clinical practice, as it incorporates more complete neurological information than the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The main objectives of the current study were the following: (1) translate and cross-culturally adapt the FOUR score into Greek; (2) evaluate its clinimetric properties, including interrater reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity; and (3) evaluate the reliability of assessments among health care professionals with different levels of experience and training. METHODS: The FOUR score was initially translated into Greek. Next, patients with neurosurgical pathologies in need of consciousness monitoring were independently assessed with the GCS and FOUR score within one hour by four raters who had different levels of experience and training (two board-certified neurosurgeons, a neurosurgery resident, and a registered nurse). Interrater reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity were evaluated for the scales using weighted Cohen's κ (κw) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach's α and Spearman's ρ values, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 408 assessments were performed for 99 patients. The interrater reliability was excellent for both the FOUR score (ICC = 0.941) and GCS (ICC = 0.936). The values of κw exceeded 0.90 for all pairs, suggesting that the FOUR score can be reliably applied by raters with varying experience. Among the scales' components, FOUR score's brainstem and respiratory items showed the lowest, yet high enough (κw > 0.60), level of agreement. The interrater reliability remained excellent (κw > 0.85, ICC > 0.90) for all diagnosis and age groups, with a trend toward higher FOUR score values in the most severe cases (ICC = 0.813 vs. 0.723). Both the FOUR score and GCS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.70 for all occasions). The FOUR score correlated strongly with GCS (Spearman's ρ > 0.90 for all raters), suggesting high construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek version of the FOUR score is a valid and reliable tool for the clinical assessment of patients with disorders of consciousness. It can be applied successfully by nurses, residents, and specialized physicians. Therefore, its use by medical practitioners with different levels of experience and training is strongly encouraged.

Clinical outcome following decompression and short or long instrumented fusion in lumbar degenerative spinal stenosis. A prospective case-control analysis.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited data on the direct clinical comparison between short and long fusion following surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. The hypothesis that regardless their baseline characteristics and morbidity, clinical outcome is similar in patients with lumbar stenosis treated with decompression plus posterior instrumented fusion in one or two versus three to five levels was tested. METHODS: Subjects were divided into Group A and Group B corresponding to stenotic pathology and instrumented fusion in one or two levels and three to five levels, respectively. Primary outcome measures at one year were the change in SF-36 physical component (PCS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcome measures included the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the mental component (MCS) of SF-36 scale and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. RESULTS: Seventy seven (77) patients were included (Group A, n = 42; Group B, n = 35). Patients in Group B were older, surgery lasted longer and intraoperative blood loss was greater than patients in Group A (p < 0.05). A significant clinical improvement was noted in both Groups on all scales (p < 0.01). Clinical outcome at one year was equally favorable in both Groups (p > 0.05). The evaluation of depression for Group A showed a significant improvement at one year (p = 0.02) compared to the preoperative status. CONCLUSIONS: Older individuals are more likely to have multilevel stenosis and more co-morbidities and they were associated with longer instrumentation. However, complications are similar and clinical outcome is equally favorable compared to short instrumented fusion for fewer levels of disease.

Long-term Outcome Following Three-Level Stand-Alone Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Is Plating Necessary?

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) is a proven method for the treatment of selected patients. The necessity of use of an anterior plate is controversial. The article aims to assess the fusion rates (FRs) and long-term outcomes following three-level ACDF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from the medical records of patients operated on due to degenerative cervical disease. All patients were treated with three-level ACDF employing polyether ether-ketone cages without anterior plating. Visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and plain radiographs were used in the clinical and radiological postsurgery assessment. Fusion evaluation was performed according to the <1 mm motion between spinous processes rule. Subsidence was defined as a more than 2 mm decrease in the interbody height. RESULTS: A total of 234 treated levels on 78 patients were assessed. The mean presurgery NDI score was 23.07 ± 4.86, with a mean disability of 46.03% ± 9.64. The mean presurgery VAS score of the neck was 7.58 ± 0.85, while VAS score of the arm was 7.75 ± 1.008. Post surgery, NDI stated no disability, while VAS score of the neck and arm showed no presence of pain. The mean FR was 19.50 ± 21.71 levels per month, with a peak from 3rd to 6th month. Presurgery evaluation showed 12 (15.38%) patients with a high T2 sequence signal. Magnetic resonance imaging screening detected 31 (39.24%) patients with coexisting cervical and lumbar findings. Post surgery, transient dysphagia was reported by 1 patient (1.28%), while subsidence was registered in 15 (6.41%) levels, situated in 12 patients (15.38%), most often at C6-7 (66.6%). Clinical and radiological follow-up extended to 69.47 ± 11.45 months. CONCLUSION: Multilevel stand-alone ACDF is a safe, cost-effective procedure providing favorable clinical and radiological results with minimal complications. The incidence of subsidence is usually clinically insignificant and can be decreased with a careful surgical technique.

Infantile Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor of the Spine Presenting with Acute Hydrocephalus.

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) are aggressive lesions usually presenting during the first 3 years of life. These tumors have a dismal prognosis with most patients dying within 1 year from presentation. Primary spinal location in infants is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 4-month-old boy who presented with a history of hypotonia, poor head control, and gradually reduced level of consciousness, over the past week. Computed tomography (CT) showed acute hydrocephalus with no underlying intracranial pathology. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted acutely. Postoperatively, ventilator weaning was unsuccessful. MRI of the brain and whole spine revealed an intraspinal extradural contrast-enhancing heterogenous mass in the subaxial cervical spine extending to the thoracic cavity. A biopsy was taken through a transthoracic approach, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of ATRT. Several cycles of radiation therapy and chemotherapy were given but the tumor progressed both locally and intracranially. Eventually, pupils became dilated and fixed. Brain CT scan showed widespread ischemic lesions and an extensive intracranial tumor extension with massive bleeding. The child eventually died 110 days after admission. CONCLUSIONS: In infants presenting with acute hydrocephalus where an obvious intracranial cause is not detected, the whole neuraxis should be screened. However, despite aggressive measures and advances in multimodality treatment, prognosis of ATRT remains dismal.

The current significance of the FOUR score: A systematic review and critical analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The Full Outline of Un-Responsiveness Score (FOURs) is a scale for clinical assessment of consciousness that was introduced to overcome disadvantages of the widely accepted Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). OBJECTIVE: To carry out a systematic review and critical analysis of the available literature on the clinical application of FOURs and perform a comparison to GCS, in terms of reliability and predictive value. METHODS: Initial search retrieved a total of 147 papers. After applying strict inclusion criteria and further article selection to overcome data heterogeneity, a statistical comparison of inter-rater reliability, in-hospital mortality and long-term outcome prediction between the two scales in the adult and pediatric population was done. RESULTS: Even though FOURs is more complicated than GCS, its application remains quite simple. Its reliability, validity and predictive value have been supported by an increasing number of studies, especially in critical care. A statistically significant difference (p = .034) in predicting in-hospital mortality in adults, in favor of FOURs when compared to GCS, was found. However, whether it poses a clinically significant advantage in detecting patients' deterioration and outcome prediction, compared to other scaling systems, remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to discern the FOURs' clinical usefulness, especially in patients in non-critical condition, with milder disorders of consciousness.

The effect of diabetes mellitus on in-hospital hyperglycemia, length of stay and survival in patients with brain tumor receiving dexamethasone: A descriptive and comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a comparative analysis on the impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) on in-hospital hyperglycemia, length of stay (LOS) and survival of patients suffering from brain tumor who receive dexamethasone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with brain tumor hospitalized in a Neurosurgery department between 2011 and 2018, were studied. Data referring to medical history, clinical characteristics and in-hospital survival was collected and analyzed. Morning plasma glucose levels (PGL) were obtained for seven consecutive days after the start of dexamethasone. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were identified. Of them, 21 (37.5%) were diabetic. During dexamethasone administration, a difference in morning PGL values during different days was noted (p = 0.003). No difference in glucose levels among different glucocorticoid doses was seen. DM was associated with higher average PGL (aMPGL), calculated as the mean of morning PGL values for the last six days (p = 0.001) and with higher rates of persistent hyperglycemia (p = 0.002). The change of aMPGL from the morning PGL value of day one did not differ between the two cohorts (p = 0.729). DM neither affected LOS nor in-hospital survival (p = 0.745 & p = 0.438, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although morning glucose values were higher in diabetic, compared to non-diabetic patients, their change from day one was similar between the two cohorts. LOS and in-hospital survival were not affected by DM.

Complete early regression of asymptomatic hindbrain herniation caused by minor head trauma.

Very few cases of cerebellar tonsillar herniation resulting from head trauma have previously been reported. We present a case of an 11-month-old girl who suffered a minor head trauma. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head showed an occipital bone fracture and blood in the fourth ventricle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain 2 days later revealed cerebellar edema and displacement of the cerebellar tonsils 6 mm below the foramen magnum. She was discharged from the hospital without neurological deficits. Repeat brain MRI scan, 1 month after trauma, demonstrated complete regression of the hindbrain herniation. During the hospital stay and at follow-up, no symptoms and signs related to posterior fossa involvement were noted.

Pedicle screw placement accuracy impact and comparison between grading systems.

BACKGROUND: Pedicle screw instrumentation is widely used for spinal stabilization. However, the accuracy for free-hand screw placement ranges from 69% to 94%. This study assesses the value of the existing classification systems, and investigates their impact on the ability to assess the accuracy of free-hand screw placement. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 34 patients who received 224 pedicle screws placed utilizing a free-hand technique. Screw placement was evaluated employing the 2-mm increment and Zdichavsky et al. classification systems. Kappa coefficient and Landis and Koch interpretations were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The 2-mm increment classification system resulted in a total of 18 (8.03%) misplaced screws. Lateral screw misplacement was observed in 13 (5.8%) instances, with medial pedicle wall penetration being noted in 5 (2.23%). Of the 18 misplaced screws, 4 (22.22%) were classified as minor (≤2 mm), 12 (66.67%) as moderate (2-4 mm), and 2 (11.11%) as severe (>4 mm) (K = 0.882). The Zdichavsky et al. grading system categorized 208 (92.84%) pedicle screws as Ia, 10 (4.46%) as Ib, 1 (0.45%) as IIa, 2 (0.90%) as IIb, 2 (0.90%) as IIIa, and 1 (0.45%) as IIIb grade; this resulted in a total of 16 (7.14%) misplaced screws (K = 0.980). One patient exhibited a new postoperative radiculopathy attributed to poor screw placement. There were no additional early or late postsurgical complications attributed to screw misplacement. CONCLUSION: The free-hand pedicle screw placement technique is both safe and effective. Postoperative computed tomography studies; however, are useful to confirm the accuracy of screw placement. Although, the available grading systems proved reliable, easy to use, and clearly reflected the individual surgeon's skills, they do not clearly document whether screws are safely placed.

Congenital Glioblastoma Multiforme: An Unusual and Challenging Tumor.

Congenital glioblastoma multiforme is a rare tumor of the central nervous system with unique features. The existing evidence on its pathogenesis, genetic and molecular profile, special characteristics, treatment, and prognosis is reviewed. An increased number of antenatal diagnoses and prolonged survival for those individuals who can tolerate combined surgical resection and chemotherapy has been noted. The overall prognosis, however, remains poor. A better understanding of this unusual entity is important. Further research is needed to discern tumor's pathogenesis and natural history. This will likely lead to the development and implementation of treatment strategies that may decrease mortality and morbidity in these patients.

Severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy with complete neurological and neuroradiological recovery within a month after surgery.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a complex syndrome evolving in the presence of degenerative changes. The choice of care and prognostic factors are controversial. The use of appropriate surgical technique is very important. Posterior approach may be chosen when pathology is present dorsally and/or in the presence of neutral to lordotic alignment. Anterior approach is the golden standard in patients with kyphosis and/or stenosis due to ventral lesions, even with three or more affected levels. A 67-year-old man presented with progressive weakness and clumsiness (mJOA: 5; Nurick: 4). An anterior discectomy, osteophytectomy and bilateral foraminotomy of the C4-C5; C5-C6; C6-C7 were performed. Polyether-Ether-Ketone spacers and a titanium plate were placed. The patient was mobilized 3-hour post-surgery and was released the following day. Medicament therapy and a neck-conditioning program were prescribed. Clinical examinations were normal within a month. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no traces of the preoperatively registered intramedullary focal T2 hyper-intensity.

Nosocomial bloodstream infections in neurosurgery: a 10-year analysis in a center with high antimicrobial drug-resistance prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Data on nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSI) in neurosurgery is limited. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology, microbiology, outcome, and risk factors for death in neurosurgical patients with NBSI in a multidrug resistant setting. METHODS: Neurosurgical patients with a confirmed NBSI within the period 2003-2012 were retrospectively analyzed. NBSI was diagnosed when a pathogen was isolated from a blood sample obtained after the first 48 h of hospitalization. Patients' demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were recorded and analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 236 patients with NBSI were identified and 378 isolates were recovered from blood cultures. Incidence of NBSI was 4.3 infections/1000 bed-days. Gram-negative bacteria slightly predominated (54.5 %). The commonest bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS, 26 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.3 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.8 %), and Acinetobacter baumannii (13.2 %). Carbapenem resistance was found in 90 % of A. baumannii, in 66 % of P. aeruginosa, and in 22 % (2003-2007) to 77 % (2008-2012) of K. pneumoniae isolates (p < 0.05). Most CoNS and Staphylococcus aureus isolates (94 and 80 %, respectively) were methicillin-resistant. All Gram-negative isolates were sensitive to colistin and all Gram-positive isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. Antimicrobial consumption decreased after 2007 (p < 0.05). Overall mortality was 50.4 %. In multivariate analysis, advanced age and stay in an Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, high incidence of NBSI and considerable resistance of Gram-positive and particularly Gram-negative bacteria were noted in neurosurgical patients. Mortality was high with advanced age and stay in IMCU being the most important death-related factors.

Osteoporotic spinal burst fracture in a young adult as first presentation of systemic mastocytosis.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are uncommon in young adults and usually indicate an underlying disease. Systemic mastocytosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm, which can be associated with osteoporosis. A previously healthy 30-year-old man presented with an L4 burst fracture after lifting a heavy object. He was operated with laminectomy and posterior lumbar instrumentation. During surgery, abnormally soft bone was noted. Postoperatively, osteoporosis was confirmed with measurement of bone mineral density. Further investigation revealed elevated serum tryptase levels while bone marrow biopsy findings showed systemic mastocytosis. He was also tested positive for D816V KIT mutation. Treatment with biphosphonates and interferon was initiated. No extraskeletal involvement was noted up to the last checkup, 18 months after the first presentation. Abrupt vertebral fractures in apparently healthy young individuals should raise the suspicion of an underlying pathology. Prompt identification and treatment of systemic mastocytosis is crucial in order to avoid unexpected sequelae.

Dermal Sinus Tract of the Thoracic Spine Presenting with Intramedullary Abscess and Cranial Nerve Deficits.

Congenital dermal sinus tract of the spine is an unusual developmental defect which represents a failure of the surface ectoderm and dermal elements to separate from the neuroectoderm. A 15-month-old female presented with high fever, severe right hemiparesis, difficulty breathing and cranial nerve deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine revealed a congenital dermal sinus tract at the Th6 level, an intramedullary collection extending up to the brainstem and a probable intramedullary cystic lesion. The child was operated acutely with ligation of the sinus tract, drainage of the abscess and partial removal of the intramedullary lesion. Due to abscess recurrence, she was reoperated with complete excision of the dermal sinus tract, abscess redrainage and subtotal excision of the dermoid cyst (retaining a part of its capsule). Pus culture isolated Corynebacterium species and Peptococcus species and histology of the lesion showed a dermoid cyst. Postoperatively, after an initial neurologic deterioration, she progressively improved. An MRI scan at 15 months neither showed recurrence of the collection nor regrowth of the lesion. Spinal dermal sinus tracts that remain unnoticed or untreated can result in serious complications and should be operated as soon as possible to prevent undesirable sequelae.

A 57-year-old female with a cerebellar mass.

A 57-year-old female presented with recurrent episodes of nausea and vomit, as well as instability during walking. The patient had a history of uterine leiomyosarcoma, for which she underwent a hysterectomy and oophorectomy 8 months ago. CT scan revealed a calcified mass that was located in the left cerebellar hemisphere which was resected. Histologically, multiple tissue fragments displayed infiltration of cerebellar tissue by polymorphic spindle-shaped cells. The Ki-67 proliferation index was approximately 20%. The morphological and immunohistochemical data, in association with the past clinical history, were consistent with cerebellar metastasis of uterine leiomyosarcoma. Although adjuvant radiotherapy was introduced, the patient died of cardiopulmonary arrest 6 weeks after the surgical procedure. The present case adds to the body of literature being the second report of uterine leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the cerebellum.

Successful, combined long-term treatment of cerebral aspergillosis in a liver transplant patient.

Invasive aspergillosis has long been recognized as one of the most significant and often fatal opportunistic fungal infections in liver transplant recipients. We report a case of a liver transplant recipient who developed an Aspergillus fumigatus brain abscess that produced significant neurologic symptoms. The patient was managed successfully with a combination of surgery and medical treatment with Voriconazole. To our knowledge, this is the second such case reported in the literature.